Certainly this is a sad, tragic story and a good start. Let’s see if we can take it to the next level. I’d like to see you retell this story, but do it from the point of view of one of the three characters, the son, the mother, or the soldier. You may want to retell this story three times from each of their points of view, but as you do each, really get into their heads and let us know what they are thinking and feeling as the soldier leaves and then as they realize that he isn’t coming back.

That’s an interesting idea. I think I’ll go for it! :)