38
TREIZECI ȘI OPT
eports continued to flow into Romania.
My often-absent father suddenly spent more time at home.R In the evenings, our entire family lived in the kitchen, waiting for broadcasts. I hated that Bunu was still weak and we were Kentless, but I was grateful to him for saving our radio.
“Bunu, how do we know that these broadcasts are accurate?” asked Cici.
“Freedom of the press is democratic,” replied Bunu.
“But if Radio Free Europe was created by the Americans, how can we trust it?” whispered Mama.
My father stared at her. “Mioara, what choice do we have?”
“We can turn off the radio! It’s too stressful!” she insisted.
“It will be more stressful without information,” said my grandfather.
“Bunu,” I whispered. “Do you think the regime is listening to the reports?”
“Of course! They need the the information themselves to strategize.”
The developments and reports bolstered a flutter of activity. Over the next few days, Bunu had a steady flow of visitors and colleagues who seemed very concerned about his health. News of revolutions and chats with his friends strengthened my grandfather but angered my mother. I
couldn’t figure out why.
“Bunu, why is Mama so angry?” I asked.
He responded with a shake of his head and just one word.
“Fear.”