Briony's Apology to Cecilia and Robbie

After the wedding, Briony goes to her sister's lodgings in Balham. She finds Cecilia living in a small, shabby flat with Robbie, who has miraculously survived Dunkirk. The meeting is tense and painful. Robbie is furious, and Cecilia is cold and unforgiving. Briony confesses her crime and promises to do whatever she can to make amends, including writing a formal statement and telling her parents the truth. She also reveals that the real attacker was Paul Marshall. The encounter is a catharsis, but it does not bring forgiveness. Cecilia and Robbie give Briony a list of tasks to perform, but they make it clear that they will never forgive her. This event is the beginning of Briony's long journey toward atonement.