9 Days Without a Call Home, Khôi Dials at Almost 11PM
7/29/2026
1 min read
#OnMaTuTu
“Khôi, 21, three years away from home, realizes it's been 9 days since he last called after a week buried in deadlines and part-time shifts.”
— 9 Days Without a Call Home, Khôi Dials at Almost 11PM
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Almost 11pm on a Monday, Khôi, 21, is about to turn off the light and sleep in his rented room when he stops — counting on his fingers, it's been 9 days since he called home.
This week has been packed: a project deadline, three midterms back to back, plus two extra evening shifts. His mother hadn't called either — she knew he was busy and didn't want to bother him. Three years living apart, and they'd both gotten used to giving each other space.
Khôi dials. Barely one ring, and his mother picks up, her voice alert despite the late hour. "Yeah, it's you. Why so late?" They talk for exactly five minutes — she asks if he's eating well, he asks how his father's doing. Nothing big, just small things.
She says, "Alright, go to sleep, it's late," then hangs up. Khôi lies back down, feeling lighter — not because he said anything important, just hearing her voice was enough. Nothing more needed.
"Call home. I don't need you to tell me much. Just knowing you're okay is enough."
How long has it been since you called home?
How did this story make you feel?