It occurred to Clark that he should call someone, actually everyone, that he should call everyone he'd ever loved and talk to them and tell them all the things that mattered, but it was apparently already too late for this, his phone displaying a message he'd never seen before: SYSTEM OVERLOAD EMERGENCY CALLS ONLY.
In the novel "Station Eleven" by Emily St. John Mandel, the character Clark has a moment of reflection where he realizes the importance of connecting with those he has loved. He feels a compelling urge to reach out to everyone important in his life and share meaningful conversations with them. However, he is faced with the sudden despair of recognizing that time might have run out for these connections, as indicated by his phone's alarming message about being overwhelmed and restricted to emergency calls.
This moment encapsulates the theme of communication and the urgency of expressing feelings before it's too late. Clark's realization highlights a common human desire to mend relationships and convey love, which is particularly poignant in the context of a world facing crisis and disconnection. The message on his phone serves as a stark reminder of the limitations imposed by circumstances, making his longing for connection all the more pressing.