“No, no problem,” Jennifer said, as she reached for her shoulder bag and began rummaging for her phone. She had no idea what it would cost to call New York, but she wasn’t going to worry about it. She was going to call Laurie Montgomery. Laurie didn’t even know Granny had died, and that was reason enough to call. On top of that was the decision issue, and even the autopsy idea. Now that she had thought of calling Laurie, Jennifer had trouble explaining to herself why she hadn’t thought of it earlier.

While trying to figure out how to dial the United States, Jennifer had another question: What time was it on the East Coast? She knew it was nine and a half hours’ difference, but in which direction? Despite her exhaustion, Jennifer forced herself to concentrate. She reasoned that since New York was ahead, then time should go back, and as crazy as that sounded to her at the moment, the more confident she was, but not overconfident. She went through the reasoning again, and then decided to accept on faith it was close to midnight the evening before in the Big Apple.

Knowing from the distant past that Laurie was an inveterate night owl, Jennifer was willing to make the call. Despite the subject of the call, she found herself getting excited as she heard it go through. It was astounding to think she was about to talk to Laurie halfway around the world, and she hadn’t spoken with her for more than a year. The phone was picked up on the first ring.

“I hope I’m not calling too late,” Jennifer said without preamble.

“Heavens no,” Laurie responded. “Is this Jennifer?”

“It is.”

Laurie was demonstrably pleased to hear Jennifer’s voice and assumed she was in California. For a few minutes, the women made small talk. Jennifer asked about Jack. Laurie, for her part, apologized for not calling Jennifer since the wedding and used the infertility turmoil as her prime excuse. Jennifer wished her luck.

“So,” Laurie said when there was a pause, “is this a mere social call or what? Not that it isn’t great to hear from you, but is there something I can help with, like a letter of recommendation for a residency?”

“Unfortunately, there is a specific reason for my call, but it doesn’t have anything to do with my medical training,” Jennifer said. She went on to explain that she was in India and why. At several places she had to stop and pull herself together.

“Oh, no!” Laurie said when Jennifer finished. “I hadn’t heard a word. Oh, I’m so sorry!”