It's possible that A has also felt he was taking a risk, as you have, when deciding to contact you. So, by initiating back in a balanced way, you may be encouraging him to feel safer/more confident to continue contacting you.
I like 'pondering' this . . . balanced mirroring--lighthearated, and relaxed . . . It brings tears to my eyes knowing that I can still encourage A to feel safer and more confident, even from a distance.
