

Ben liked to play with his toy soldiers. He had many of them, and he gave them names and voices. He made them march and fight and hide in his room. He was very adventurous and liked to pretend he was a soldier too.
One day, he found a new soldier in his toy box. He was shiny and red, and he had a big hat and a sword. Ben was curious and picked him up. He said, "Hello, soldier. What is your name?"
The soldier did not reply. He was very still and quiet. Ben shook him and tapped him, but he did not make a sound. Ben was puzzled and sad. He wanted to play with the new soldier, but he did not talk.
He put the soldier on his bed and went to look for his mom. He found her in the kitchen and said, "Mom, I have a new soldier, but he does not reply. Why is he so quiet?"
Mom smiled and hugged Ben. She said, "That is a special soldier, Ben. He is not a toy, he is a decoration. He is made of metal and he does not have a voice. He is very pretty, but he is not for playing."
Ben was disappointed and confused. He said, "But I want to play with him. He looks so adventurous and brave. Can I not make him talk?"
Mom shook her head and said, "No, Ben, you cannot. He is not like your other soldiers. He is for looking, not for touching. He might break or scratch if you play with him. Why don't you leave him on your shelf and play with your other soldiers? They are more fun and they reply to you."
Ben nodded and said, "Okay, Mom. I will do that. But can I still look at him sometimes?"
Mom said, "Of course, Ben. You can look at him as much as you want. He is very handsome and he is yours. But remember, he is a decoration, not a toy."
Ben said, "I understand, Mom. Thank you for the new soldier. He is very nice, even if he does not reply."
He gave Mom a kiss and ran back to his room. He put the shiny red soldier on his shelf and looked at him. He smiled and said, "Hello, soldier. You are very pretty. I hope you like your new home. Maybe one day, you will reply to me."
