Franz received the final rejection from the University of Warsaw.
It marked the end of a long application process, filled with meetings and effort. Franz had hoped that his father's controversial reputation would either be forgiven or not taken into account.
But it was quite the opposite. His father's record was the core reason for the rejection, as confirmed by a friend from the university.
"Your dad is considered a sort of anarchist," the friend explained. "Nobody takes him seriously, but people quickly associate his name with trouble. No one bothers to make distinctions."
Franz had always been a strong-spirited person who admired his father, but each small barrier had now built into something insurmountable. Despite his love for his father, this reality was undeniable.
"Splitting my life from your father was my best decision, son," his mother once told him.
Franz's mother had remarried and found a quieter life with Stanislaw, her second husband. Stanislaw was a grounded man—somewhat dull, but reliable. There were no economic shocks or political scandals in her new life.
In the past, Franz had bitterly criticized his mother's decision, but now, he was beginning to understand it in some way.
That day, Franz met with his father, Eustakyo. The years had taken their toll on him—his body was heavier, flabbier, and his balding head showed his age. But his eyes still held the spark of a young man.
Eustakyo was finishing a book about ecosystems and looking for funds to publish it. Enthusiastic, he hinted at borrowing money from his son.
"I want to study, Dad," Franz said, shaking his head. "I'm saving for that."
"Oh, yes, you should. You have a lot of aptitude," Eustakyo replied with a smile.
Franz sighed. "Dad, I won't be studying in Warsaw. I'm banned. Do you know why?"
Eustakyo's gaze lowered. "I know, son. It's because of my name. You carry the mark of my ideas."
For a moment, Eustakyo seemed grounded in the harsh reality of daily life, far from his grand ideals. This reality, full of obstacles and disapproval, was heavy for both father and son.
Franz smiled sadly, trying to find comfort in a situation that was anything but.
