# **"The Tree of Survival"**---

## **I. Jan (1880–1920) – The Beginning of Roots**

Jan was born during the partitions, in a small village in the north. His father died early, and his mother was strict and religious. Jan was brave but silent. From childhood, he worked in the fields to support his family.

At the age of 21, he married Anna – a hard-working, quiet woman with no dreams of romantic love. They had three children: Stefan, Maria, and Leon.

In 1914, World War I broke out. Jan was drafted into the army. He returned from the front with severe wounds and a different outlook on life. He died in 1920, leaving Anna alone with the children and the farm.

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## **II. Anna (1883–1950) – a lonely guard**

Anna survived wars, poverty, and disease. She raised three children alone. She was tough, silent, and determined. She taught her children how to live in difficult conditions, but not how to love.

Stefan left for the city in search of work, Maria married early, and Leon remained at home. Anna died at the age of 67, lonely but fulfilled in her survival.

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## **III. Stefan (1905–1975) – escape and return**

Stefan left for the city. He studied, then worked in a factory. He married Jadwiga, an ambitious and pragmatic woman. They had children: Jan and Helena.

During World War II, Stefan was drafted into the army, and the family hid in a tenement house in the city. After the war, Stefan returned to family life and work at the factory. He died peacefully in 1975, leaving a legacy of work and silence.

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## **IV. Leon (1908–1980) – the one who stayed**

Leon took over the house from his mother. He married Maria and had three children: Anna, Marek, and Krystyna. He was calm, honest, but emotionally unavailable.

His life unfolded slowly: work, home, children. He died in 1980, and Marek took over.

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## **V. Jan (1928–2000) – the new generation**

Jan, Stefan's son, grew up in the shadow of war and family discipline. He married Maria. They had three children: Alicja, Andrzej, and Magda.

Jan tried to be more present than his father, but the silence and routine of his childhood permeated his life. After many years of working in administration, he died suddenly at the age of 72.

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## **VI. Helena (1932–2005) – Repeating the Pattern**

Helena, Stefan's daughter, married early. She had four children. She was practical, teaching her children work and duty, but not love.

Her children, including Andrzej, grew up feeling burdened by responsibility and a lack of affection. Helena died in 2005 after a long illness.

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## **VII. Marek (1955–2018) – Ambition and Departure**

Marek grew up in the shadow of domestic responsibilities and family expectations. He moved to the city, pursued a career, married, and had children: Piotr and Aleksandra.

He was demanding and emotionally reserved. His children often felt an emotional void. He died suddenly of a heart attack in 2018.

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## **VIII. Andrzej (1960– ) – Responsibility and Silence**

Andrzej, Jan's son, stayed at home. He cared for his elderly relatives and the house. He never married. His life was monotonous, yet full of duty.

He taught the younger generation how to survive and work, repeating the family pattern.

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## **IX. Aleksandra (1990– ) – Discoverer of the Past**

Aleksandra, Marek's daughter, moved to the city. She studied history and became fascinated by the family's fate. She wrote chronicles and asked her elders about events that others didn't remember.

She began to understand the silence of her ancestors. She decided not to repeat the patterns: carrying the house and expectations, silence and sacrifice.

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## **X. Lilia (2025– ) – A New Perspective**

Lilia, Aleksandra's daughter, is growing up in the 21st century. She knows the entire family history. She sees the burden of tradition, but she has a choice. She can live differently, learn to express emotions, and not repeat patterns of silence.

For her, family history is a lesson, not an obligation. Land and home are important, but freedom determines life.

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## **XI. Epilogue – Generations and Choices**

The family has survived for over a hundred years, through wars, political changes, poverty, and prosperity.

Not every generation has learned to love.

Not everyone has been able to speak about their feelings.

Not all mysteries have been solved.

But every generation has had the chance: **to break the silence and choose a life different from their ancestors**.

The earth remembers everything, and people remember only what they dare to name.

The saga continues – in people who live, ask, and choose.

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