After being informed that her son had passed away, the mother got a call from an unidentified number a few days later 
Anxiety swept over the village a few days ago. Alex, Anna’s son, was among a group of young soldiers who ventured into the forest on a reconnaissance trip but never came back. The lads reportedly entered the bush, but the jungle appeared to engulf them, according to one officer. Day after day, search teams searched the area, but to no avail.
The military formally reported the men missing on the third day, and two days later, they were pronounced dead. Documents were handed to the parents. A folded triangular flag was given to Anna, who was informed that although her son had not been located, no one could have survived the situation.
The village had a funeral the following day. An empty casket covered with the flag, a little procession, and the somber ringing of bells. Grasping the handkerchief as though it were her boy’s final remnant, Anna stood in front of the grave. Hope was all but gone, and she could scarcely believe it.
She made an effort to accept this fact.
Then, two days later, as the home was silent and it was becoming dark outside, her phone called out of nowhere. No one knew the number. Usually these calls bring bad news, so her heart skipped a beat.
“Hello?” Breathing heavily, she whispered.
The voice on the other end was hoarse:
“Anna?”
“Yes, that is me.”
Your son wants to talk to you, right? Hi there? Ma’am? Are you okay?
Anna found it hard to believe. Leaping to her feet, she pressed the phone closer to her ear.
“Yes, I am present.”
“Mom?”
“Alex? Is that you? Still alive?
“Yes, I am alive, Mom. We hid in a ravine after getting hurt. No signal. We were only able to locate a radio today. I… I really wanted to give you a call.
Relief-filled tears fell down her cheeks. She held her palm to her chest and wailed.
“Grateful to God… I’m grateful, son. You were already buried by me.
“I understand. They informed me. But, Mom, I’ll be home shortly. I’m still here. Pardon me.
Even the night outside appeared brighter in that instant.
