Assess students' ability to analyze a middle-grade short story’s plot, character motivations, and setting details, then apply those elements to craft a believable alternate ending. Students must identify key plot points and constraints, write a coherent alternate resolution consistent with voice and theme (approx. 150–300 words), and submit a brief rationale explaining how changes respect character arcs, setting continuity, and narrative logic. Use rubric criteria: plausibility, character fidelity, plot coherence, setting integration, and clarity.