story 16-19

# **Story 16: Mountain Roots (1880–1925)**

In the Beskid Mountains, in a small village surrounded by forests and peaks, lived **Tomasz**, the son of a lumberjack and a shepherdess. His life was dictated by the rhythms of nature – sunrise meant work in the forest, and dusk meant returning home to feed the animals.

Tomasz fell in love with **Marysia**, a girl from a neighboring village who brought milk to their house every day. Their meetings took place secretly, in the forest, away from the eyes of the neighbors.

* "I can't think about the future when my father tells me to work with the trees," Tomasz would say, looking at Marysia.

* "It's our future, Tomasz; we have to create it ourselves," Marysia would reply.

In 1914, World War I broke out. Tomasz was drafted into the Austro-Hungarian Army, and Marysia had to care for her family and the shepherdesses in the village. Despite their separation, their love endured.

After the war, in 1919, Tomasz returned from the front. The village was destroyed, but he and Marysia rebuilt their home, learning that **love and community endure even in the most difficult times**.

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## **Story 17: Escape to Freedom (1925–1945)**

In 1925, **Helena**, a young teacher who dreamed of traveling and studying in Europe, lived in Gdańsk. However, the political situation limited her choices – the city was still under the influence of German and Polish tensions.

Helena fell in love with **Józef**, a young engineer working at the port. Their love was forbidden by the conservative families and the difficult living conditions in the city.

In 1939, World War II broke out. Helena and Józef had to flee the occupiers, hiding in forests and old port warehouses. Everyday life was filled with fear, malnutrition, and life-threatening situations.

* "I don't know if we'll see each other tomorrow..." Helena said, holding Józef's hand.

* "We have to survive, for ourselves and for those who have nowhere to flee," Józef replied.

After the war, the couple returned to the city, devastated but free. Their story shows that **determination and hope can survive the worst threats**.

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## **Story 18: Life on the Danube (1890–1930)**

In Budapest, at the beginning of the 20th century, lived **Mihály**, a young law student. His father was a civil servant and his mother a teacher. Mihály walked daily along the Danube, dreaming of travel and freedom, while political tensions were mounting in Europe.

He met **Elisa**, an artist and pianist whose concerts were a staple of the city's cultural life. Their love blossomed in cafes, parks, and theaters.

* "We can't live only in dreams, we have to act," Mihály said, gazing at the river.

* "But dreams are what allow us to survive," Elisa replied.

In 1914, World War I broke out. Mihály was drafted into the Austro-Hungarian Army, and Elisa had to continue her artistic life while supporting her family and hiding from the ravages of war.

Their story shows that **love and art can survive the chaos of history**, and that living in difficult times requires courage and sacrifice.

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## **Story 19: The Factory of Life (1910–1950)**

In Łódź, during the era of industrial development, lived **Janek**, a young worker in a cotton mill. His days were filled with noise, dust, and hard work, but at work he met **Mara**, a girl from the neighboring building.

Their love blossomed in the shadow of difficult circumstances: housing shortages, poverty, disease, and political upheaval.

* "I can't live in this constant fear anymore," Mara said.

* "But together we can survive anything," Janek replied.

During World War II, their lives were brutally cut short. Janek was sent to forced labor, and Mara hid Jewish families in her apartment. After the war, they rebuilt their home and family, learning that **courage, love, and solidarity are the foundation of survival**.

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