The quote reflects a nostalgic moment in Emily St. John Mandel's "Station Eleven," marking the end of an era defined by instant communication through technology. It emphasizes the simplicity of reaching out to someone across the globe with just a touch of a button. This represents the interconnectedness of human experience that characterized the pre-catastrophe world.

As the narrative unfolds, the loss of such communication highlights the profound changes society undergoes in the aftermath of a devastating event. The contrast between past convenience and present challenges serves as a poignant reminder of what is lost in the face of disaster and the importance of human connection in a changed world.