The first thing and Then indicate a chronological structure.
<span>He was given the rank of Junior Lieutenant. This was because he performed the task of killing a prisoner in a faster time than any of the comrades. During the war in Sierra Leone, it was custom to kill the prisoners that were taken in by the forces.</span>
Widow and Lonely!
As you can tell from the short context, she is trying to convince Vivien to console with her because she is lonely.
