The Warsaw Orphan

Roman works clearing rubble from a Warsaw alleyway while insisting to his fellow workers that the war continues until the Soviets leave Poland. He reminds them that the Soviets could have intervened during the Uprising. Instead, they strategically allowed the Polish Home Army to be decimated, clearing the way for them to install a communist government, using Mokotów Prison for political dissenters. Mateusz advises Roman to lie low and avoid drawing attention.

At dinner, Roman vents his frustration about the fragmented state of the resistance. Truda warns that his activities will endanger the entire family, including Emilia. Roman believes that his continued fight for Poland will help Emilia heal from her trauma, so he writes her a letter urging her to maintain her fighting spirit. Mateusz delivers the letter and returns with news that Emilia has agreed to see Roman.

During the Christmas season, Roman visits Emilia at the convent. Emilia feels shocked by his physical and emotional scars from the war. She gives him a brief kiss but explains that she has fundamentally changed and now seeks peace rather than continued conflict, effectively ending their romantic relationship. She reveals her plan for Truda and Mateusz to raise her baby as their own child.