Story Structure — 4 Plot Phases

The story begins in Croatia in 1991. The wartime setting establishes the difficult circumstances surrounding the family.

The father has been held as a prisoner of war for three months. His absence defines the emotional situation before the homecoming.

Three Months in Captivity — A father has spent three months as a prisoner of war. Location: Croatia

Two sisters organize a special homecoming for their father. Their preparation expresses anticipation despite the surrounding wartime reality.

The Sisters Prepare — Two sisters prepare a special homecoming for their father. Location: Home

The preparations occur on the day the father is scheduled to return. The story reaches a moment of heightened anticipation around his homecoming.

Awaiting His Return — The preparation takes place on the day of the father's expected return. Location: Home

Story Breakdown

Wartime Setting — The narrative is situated in Croatia during 1991.
- Croatia in 1991 — The story takes place in Croatia in 1991.
- War Context — The wartime setting frames the family's circumstances.
Father's Captivity — The father has been absent for three months as a prisoner of war.
- Three-Month Absence — His separation from the family has lasted three months.
- Prisoner Of War — The father is identified as a prisoner of war.
Sisters Prepare — Two sisters organize a special homecoming for their father.
- Shared Preparation — The sisters prepare the homecoming together.
- Special Homecoming — Their preparation is specifically intended as a special homecoming.
Return Day — The preparations take place on the day the father is set to return.
- Scheduled Return — The father is expected to return on this day.
- Family Anticipation — The homecoming creates an atmosphere of anticipation.