Argue Student Contract

My teacher gave us a form at the beginning of the year with a policy regarding how to submit work when you are not at school. I was sick and two days after the assignment was due, still haven't handed it in because I've been resting. The form states I should lose points due to handing it in late. I want to see if we can come up with an argument that will convince her to accept my essay and not deduct any points for it being late. I want to see what loopholes you can come up with and tell me what to say.