Surrender

General Stern chewed on his tobacco lustily, the last luxury he afforded himself. Once the surrender was completed, there'd be no more tobacco. No more anything, most likely, except a dark cell. They'd probably try him for war crimes. He probably deserved it, too. But if the Battle at the Ridge had played out differently, he'd be a hero rather than a criminal.

It was only after he had submitted to the enemy that the message came through.

Reinforcements are on their way.

The general spit out the nicotine-laced saliva with a bitter grin. It's funny how things play out.

The Daily Theme from Figment for March 6, 2012

A letter, email, or text message is delivered to its recipient late enough to have dramatic and irrevocable consequences. If only it had arrived on time, everything would have been different.

In addition to showing us the ramifications of its tardiness, try to include the actual text of the delayed message in your theme.