One afternoon I was walking near my home, near the shops. It so happened that I was crossing the street behind a pair of teenage girls who were excitedly discussing the film K-Pax. One of them asked the other: Do you think there is anyone actually like that… I mean, alive? In our world?

I cleared my throat and they both turned to face me. I said: Oh yes, you can be assured there is! They seemed to understand immediately that the one who was answering was the very subject of their inquiry; and both began laughing joyfully. They continued on, speaking in enthusiastic gestures to one another as if exchanging holy secrets.