Then one day a soldier comes to your home. He says that he was being held prisoner for years, with your father. He tells you how much your father loves you. He tells you little details about him that interest you. But still, you long to see him for yourself, and to talk to him yourself.
More time passes.
Another soldier comes to your home. As the other soldier did before, this one states that he was in a prison camp with your father. He's come to tell you that your father loves you. This is very encouraging, but you still have this need to see your father with your own eyes. You don't want him to be just a phantom.