We Are Called to Rise

After Baba’s intense abuse of Nene, Bashkim’s family is driving home in silence and fear, but Bashkim is glad they are no longer fighting. He tries to comfort Tirana when a police car signals them to pull over. Baba panics. When the officer asks sternly for his license and insurance, Baba becomes frozen and simply says he is a citizen and that the officer needs a reason to pull him over. The officer asks Baba to step out because his taillight is broken, but Baba still refuses to cooperate. Finally, he steps out, shaking. The officer asks Nene to show the necessary papers, but instead of following his instructions—like Bashkim wishes she would—she also protests, saying they can’t afford a ticket. Tensions escalate when Baba blames Nene in Albanian and the officer tells them to be quiet. Nene finally gets the papers and steps out to hand them over, but the officer is surprised and orders her to stay on her side. Another officer appears, and Bashkim steps out because he wants to comfort his mother but hesitates due to the situation. The yelling continues, and Bashkim begins to cry and runs to Nene. The officer orders him to get back in the car.