Hello?

A young man picked up his phone after just one ring.

He listened.

Hello?

There was no answer, just silence.

Hello?

Are you there?

Is there someone there?

Can I help?

He was about to hang up when he heard it.

Very quiet.

Hello?

Are you there?

The young man took a breath.

I’m here.

Can I help you?

In an equally quiet voice, he heard,

thank you.

Thank you for what?

He asked, not knowing what was happening.

Is there something I can do for you?

Genuinely, I would love to help.

He was about to hang up again

when he heard that small voice.

You have,

just by answering your phone.

And then the line went dead.

The young man folded the newspaper he had been reading,

set his coffee mug in the sink,

took his hat from the hook by the door,

and went to work.