THE LAST CALL

 

THE LAST CALL

EPISODE 1 

That night felt strange. I can’t explain it, but the silence in my room was heavier than usual. The ceiling fan hummed lazily above me, and the only light came from the dull streetlamp outside my window.

I had just dropped my phone beside my pillow, ready to close my eyes, when it suddenly lit up. A call was coming in.

Unknown number.

I frowned. Who calls around midnight with no name showing? My first thought was to ignore it. But the phone kept ringing. The sound cut through the quiet like it was meant for me.

Something inside whispered, pick it up.

I swiped the screen and said softly, “Hello?”

At first, nothing. Just silence. I almost cut the call, thinking it was a prank. Then I heard it—

A voice. Weak. Tired. Shaky.

“Please… don’t cut the call. This might be my last.”

I sat up straight. My heart skipped. “What do you mean? Who is this?”

The voice coughed before answering. “Don’t worry about my name. I just needed someone to talk to tonight. You’re the only one who picked.”

Goosebumps ran over my skin. I swallowed hard. Something in his tone felt final, like a goodbye.

“Are you okay? Are you in danger?” I asked quickly.

He chuckled bitterly. Not the kind of laugh that carries joy, but the kind that hides pain. “You don’t remember me, do you? I’m the boy you ignored today… the one who begged you for food.”

My stomach tightened.

Images from earlier flashed in my mind. I had seen him sitting near the bus stop. His clothes were dirty, his lips cracked from dryness. He looked about fourteen, maybe fifteen. His hand stretched out, and he whispered, ‘Please, uncle, I haven’t eaten.’

And me? I walked past. Told myself I was in a hurry. Told myself I had no change. I didn’t even look back.

Now his voice was in my ear, trembling.

“I don’t blame you,” he said. “Nobody ever cares. I just wanted to hear one kind word before I close my eyes… forever.”

I pressed the phone tighter against my ear, my own voice shaking. “Please don’t say that. Don’t talk like that. You’re too young. Life can still change for you.”

He sighed, long and heavy. “What’s the point? Do you know how it feels to beg and still go to bed hungry? Do you know how it feels to be invisible in a world full of people? Tonight… I just want peace.”

Tears filled my eyes. My throat was dry. “Listen,” I said, almost whispering, “I’m sorry. I should have helped you today. I was wrong. But it’s not too late. Tell me where you are, I’ll come now.”

The phone went silent. I thought he had ended the call. My heart pounded hard against my chest.

Then he spoke again, his voice softer. “Why now? Why do people only remember kindness when it’s too late?”

I had no answer. My tears were running freely now. “Because sometimes we’re blind. But I swear, I see you now. Please don’t give up. Stay with me on this call. You matter, do you hear me? You matter.”

There was another pause. His breathing was rough, uneven. I heard a cough.

Then he whispered, “Thank you. Nobody ever told me I mattered.”

I begged, “Don’t thank me, just tell me where you are. I’ll bring food, water, anything. Just hold on.”

But his reply broke me. “It doesn’t matter anymore. I’m tired… but thank you for listening, even for a minute. That’s more than anyone ever did.”

And then—

The line went dead.

I stared at my phone, hands trembling. I dialed back, but the number refused to connect. It was as if he had disappeared into the night.

I sat there in the dark, my phone pressed against my chest, and cried. Not for myself, but for a boy I ignored… a boy I might never see again.

That was how The Last Call began.