<p>Let’s just suppose, for the sake of discussion, that his (not yours or my) family is accustomed to not touching base for several days or a week between contacts.</p>
<p>Initiating a phone call home from OWS is the last thing on his mind. If/when it crossed his mind, at Zucotti Park there is no place to recharge phone batteries. Nearby merchants are not eager to share their electrical outlets. You can’t leave unattended electronics in any NYC bathroom. </p>
<p>So, figure his cellphone was inactive for several days. Then, when the student did figure out a way to activate it, for some other purpose, he found the uncle’s urgent text and replied immediately to notify family he was fine.</p>
<p>Maybe?</p>