I Must Betray You

Cristian avoids his home, unwilling to face Cici again. One afternoon, Luca tracks him down and tells him a group of university students plans to attend a speech that Ceauşescu is preparing to give. The boys rush to the location, but Cristian is disappointed by what appears to be just a customary pro-communism rally. As Ceauşescu and his wife approach the stage, however, a loud boom erupts. The crowd begins to shout, jeering at Ceauşescu, who becomes flustered. Shouts of “Timişoara!” erupt, and Ceauşescu and his wife cannot quiet the crowd. Cristian and Luca join the chanting. Clearly rattled, Ceauşescu leaves the stage. Cristian is certain that now Romania is united in its desire to defy Ceauşescu’s regime.

The crowd does not disperse despite warnings they will be captured on camera and face consequences. One of the university students speaks out, insisting they are asking for basic freedoms and seek to maintain peace. An elderly man begins singing an old, patriotic song, forbidden under Ceauşescu’s rule. Others join in. The student introduces himself to Luca and Cristian and they lead a march through the streets of Bucharest.

Cristian is overjoyed by the feeling of connection and camaraderie.