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.”