Drawn by mysterious voices, Marija, Pawlu, and Isaac ventured deeper into the tunnels, their hearts beating with anticipation. The echoes guided them to a hidden chamber from where they found themselves surrounded by refugees from the Siege of Malta, their faces mirrors of fear, courage, and the unyielding spirit of survival.
As they mingled with the refugees, the children realized they had entered Cottonera’s past. Men, women, and children like themselves, shared stories of unimaginable bravery, hunger and suffering. They related how men, women and children, even priests and nuns, all fought with the Knights to save their country from the huge invading army that outnumbered them 4 to 1, each tale weaving a richer understanding of the Maltese spirit into the fabric of their souls.
The night passed in what felt like a timeless bubble, with Marija, Pawlu, and Isaac absorbing every emotion, and every glimpse of strength from the enduring spirit of those who had lived through the Great Siege.
Then suddenly, the trio found themselves back in their beds, the war shelter and its refugees a vivid memory in their minds. The stories they’d heard about the fighting spirit and unity of their people left a mark on their hearts.
This unexpected journey through time and spirit had come to an end, with Marija, Pawlu, and Isaac discovering that the scenes of war and refugees that they were used to seeing on TV, had once taken place in their own land, leaving them with a lasting sense of connection and pride in their heritage, a reminder of the strength and unity that had always defined Malta.