The Wise and Foolish Virgins

Ten virgins with lamps await the bridegroom; five carry oil in vessels, five do not; the bridegroom tarries; cry at midnight; the foolish ask to borrow but cannot; the door is shut. Failure mode: Lamps without reserve; readiness presumed but not stored. Restoration path: Carry oil in vessels with the lamps; readiness is provisioned, not improvised. Markers: all began the wait; tarrying tests the reserve; midnight cry; oil cannot be borrowed at the end; door once shut stays shut