Retell the story of 'Dear Mom' in the words of the character Cuong.

Prompt: Retell the story of 'Dear Mom' in the words of the character Cuong.

Oh, Mom! Please talk to the teacher and let me pursue my passion for craftsmanship.

I know you heard me clearly, Mom, but you still ask:

What did you just say?

Let me reiterate:

- Mom, can you ask the teacher if I can learn blacksmithing?

Mom asked, surprised:

- Who put such an idea in your head?

I explained to my mom straightforwardly:

- Mother, I've decided on this path because it's what I truly desire, not due to any misfortune. I deeply appreciate all the sacrifices you've made to raise us siblings, and now having to support me as well. I want to learn a trade to support myself.

My mother wiped her tears with her sleeve. Seemingly understanding my intentions, she touched my head affectionately and said with a sigh:

- It's admirable that you want to help me, but I'm not sure if your teacher will agree. Our family has a long history of noble lineage, and now, due to unfortunate circumstances, we're faced with this situation. Can't your teacher find someone else to be his apprentice instead of burdening you like this?

Hearing my mother's words, I felt a lump in my throat. I grasped her hand tightly and earnestly explained:

- Mother dear! Everyone in this world must have a trade in hand. Whether it's farming or trading; teaching or crafting, all are equally honorable. Only the lazy, the parasites, and the thieves deserve contempt.

Mother nodded approvingly:

- Thinking like that shows you're growing up, dear! Gradually, I will choose my words with the teacher to persuade him to let you study the blacksmithing trade.

I'm so happy! Inadvertently, before me, appeared the image of three cheerful blacksmiths, covered in sweat yet still happily working beside the roaring forge with the sound of small and large hammers striking in harmony, and sparks flying up like fireworks.

- What did you just say?

I immediately reiterated, louder than earlier:

- I'm asking mom to request permission from the teacher for me to study forging!

Suddenly, my mother's face turned pale, she grabbed my shoulders tightly and asked:

Helping my mother like this is a noble deed, but I wonder if the teacher would listen? Our family has a long history of prominence, but unfortunately, we've fallen on hard times. Can't believe my mother would let me become a servant to the blacksmith.

Listening to my mother's words, my throat feels parched, choked up. Yet, I muster a deep breath, swallow my saliva, and grasp my mother's frail hand earnestly saying:

Mom! Everyone must have a trade in life. Whether it's farming, trading, teaching, or smithing, they're all equally valuable. Only the lazy, parasites, and thieves deserve contempt.

Upon hearing those words, my mother breaks into a smile, though a hint of sadness still flickers in her eyes.

Realizing that I'm all grown up now! Gradually, my mother will choose her words to persuade the teacher to approve my apprenticeship as a blacksmith.

With my mother's approval, I am overjoyed. Although convincing my teacher won't be easy, I believe that with my mother's determination and sincerity, he will soon understand and agree to let me pursue blacksmithing. In that moment, I envision the distant smithy at the edge of the village. There, three jovial blacksmiths toil away, their faces beaded with sweat yet bright with smiles. The ringing of small and large hammers echoes sharply against the anvils, sparks flying like fireworks in the air.

Above is the Retelling of the story Conversing with Mother as narrated by the character Cuong for additional insights in composing responses for composition exercises. Students may also refer to the Composing Exercise: What constitutes storytelling section along with the Composing Exercise: Mother's illness, Reading Practice section.