"Because he loved her"

"Because he loved her" This really stuck out to me while I was reading. This was said by Roberts mother after Rowena died. The family was discussing what will happen with Rowena’s rabbits. Robert’s mother wanted him to kill the rabbits, it does not say why. All it says is the quote above. I believe she says this because she knows Robert is joining the Canadian Forces and he has to be able to kill for no good reason. She is trying to prepare him. Also earlier on in the story Rowena and Robert had a conversation that went like this :
“Robert?”
“Yes Rowena?”
“ Will you stay with me forever?”
“ Yes Rowena.”
“ Can the rabbits stay forever, too?”
“ Yes Rowena.”
After the death or Rowena it said “This was Forever. Now the rabbits had to be killed”

    Robert would do anything to keep the Rabbits alive but nothing he could say would save them they were doomed. His mother wanted them dead and that was their  fate. Although Robert wouldn’t do it, his mother made a call and got someone with no remorse to kill Rowena’s rabbits. I don’t believe Roberts mother would just kill the rabbits for no reason. She must be following what Rowena asked Robert. Now that he can no longer be with her forever, he is joining the army. Now that the rabbits can’t be with her forever they have to die. I also believe that she thinks Robert is going to die while he is in battle. But like I said it was said  because she is trying to make him a cold killer instead of a soft big hearted young man.