044. Bittersweet

"But there is one good thing about this," Arthur said as he brought out a letter and a package. "I think."

"What's this?" I took the letter as I scanned the front.

"A letter from His Majesty himself."

My eyes widen as I carefully began to open the letter.

"It says… it says that I got an award!" I exclaimed as I looked up at Arthur and Alfred.

"What? I want an award!" Alfred exclaimed.

"For what? You didn't even do anything!" Arthur exclaimed as I went back to reading the letter.

"To honour her brave people I award the George Cross to the Island Fortress of Malta to bear witness to a heroism and devotion that will long be famous in history…" I said as I scanned the letter once again. "And it's the real paper and everything…"

"But I'm the hero!" Alfred exclaimed again.

"So I guess the award's in the box, huh?" I assumed as I gently grabbed the box from Arthur's hands.

I slowly began to open the box as I saw the award. I was silent as I looked at the award. I smiled a sad smile as I remembered the reason why I got the award.

Who knew victory could be so bittersweet?


Also, I was going to add what American President Franklin D. Roosevelt said. But since I didn't, I'll just put it here:

"In the name of the USA I salute the Island of Malta, its people and its defenders, who, in the cause of freedom and justice and decency throughout the world, have rendered valorous service far above and beyond the call of duty. Under repeated fire from the skies Malta stood alone and unafraid in the centre of the sea, one tiny, bright flame in the darkness - a beacon of hope in the clearer days when which have come. Malta's bright story of human fortitude and courage will be read by posterity with wonder and gratitude through all the ages. What was done in this island maintains all the highest traditions of gallant men and women who from the beginning of time have lived and died to preserve the civilization for all mankind." And this was spoken on December 7, 1943.


Author's Notes

Another history lesson: King George VI, being moved by the heroism of the people of Malta, sent the award called the "George Cross" in a letter. Only one other person other than Malta has received this reward. It is now on the upper left corner of Malta's flag.

Okay, a lot less shorter. But if you want more info about this, go onto Wikipedia and look up, "George Cross".

On another note, This is the 15th day I've been writing this/publishing this, and I'm planning for this, if no problems happen, should last for at least another fifteen, sixteen, or seventeen days. But that's just a guess, so don't hold me up to it.

R&R please!