Jane picked up the telephone and dialled Helen’s number. After a ring, Helen answered.

“Hello?” she said.

“Hey!” Jane said.

There was a long pause, and Jane realized that she couldn’t remember why she called.

“Hello?” Helen said.

“Just calling to make sure you’re still alive,” Jane said. 

“As far as I can tell,” Helen said.

“Well, then. As you were.” Jane hung up.