This story took place a long time ago. But it has been repeated time and time again. Everyone is moved by the true story.

   An old man was knocked down by a car and was taken to hospital. He was badly hurt, and during his few returns to consciousness (知觉), he repeatedly called for his son.

   None knew where his son was. A dirty letter was found in his pockets. The nurse learned that his son was a soldier in North Carolina.

   The hospital called the Red Cross office to find the young man. The young soldier was rushed to the airport in time to catch the plane.

   It was evening when the young soldier walked into the hospital. A nurse took him to the bedsides of the old man.

   "Your son is here," she said to the old man. She had to repeat the words several times before the old man's eyes opened. He dimly saw the young man and got great comfort. He reached out his hand. The soldier held the old man's hand and offered words of hope.

   All through the night the young soldier sat beside the bed. The nurse offered to watch instead of him for a while, he refused.

   At dawn the old man died. The nurse started to comfort him but the soldier asked her, "Who was that old man?" He was your father, "she answered." No, he wasn't. I never saw him before. I knew right away there was a mistake, but I also knew he needed his son, and his son just wasn't here. I realized I was needed. So I stayed."