The narrator describes a nightly phone call routine with a woman, where most of the conversation is dominated by his thoughts and stories. The woman, in contrast, contributes minimally to the conversation, often taking time to prepare her tea, which highlights her calm and patient demeanor. Her slow and deliberate approach to steeping the tea stands in stark contrast to the narrator's more hurried style of communication.

This moment reflects not only the dynamics of their relationship but also serves as a meditation on mindfulness. The woman's Zen-like patience with her tea preparation evokes admiration and suggests a deeper understanding of presence and simplicity, which the narrator seems to appreciate, despite his tendency to fill the silence with his own words.