Eight-year-old Ryan Crosby sat at the dining table, frustrated by a confusing math problem. Usually, homework was fine, but tonight felt different.

The house was quiet, and no video or tip seemed to help. Then he remembered his mom’s words: “If you ever need help, don’t be afraid to call 911.”

So Ryan did.
“911. What’s your emergency?”
“I need help with my math homework,” he replied honestly.

The dispatcher was stunned.
“Math?”
“Yeah… I wouldn’t have called if my mom was home. I’m alone.”

That last sentence changed everything. Officers were dispatched immediately. They found Ryan safe but alone at home around 10 p.m. His mother, Matilda, hadn’t returned. Her phone was off, and she hadn’t contacted anyone.

Using her phone’s last signal, police searched the area. A K9 unit eventually found her car on a remote road. Inside, Matilda was unconscious—she had blacked out from heat exhaustion while driving. Thanks to Ryan’s call, she was found and rescued in time.

That night, when Matilda returned home, Ryan ran to her.
“Mommy! Where were you?”
“You saved me, sweetheart,” she whispered through tears.

His innocent call for homework help became a life-saving act.