In the Polish city of Świętochłowice, the parents of 42-year-old Mirella kept her captive in their apartment for over 27 years, telling neighbors various fictitious stories about their daughter's fate. Some believed she had disappeared as a teenager, while others believed she had returned to her biological parents.
The truth emerged by accident when the police were called to the neighbors' home due to a dispute.
It turned out that Mirella had been locked in a small room since the age of 15, completely deprived of contact with the outside world. She never visited public places, never went for walks, or even stepped onto the balcony of her apartment.
After her release, she was hospitalized, where doctors spent two months working to restore her physical and mental health. Thanks to the help of volunteers, a fundraiser was organized for Mirella and the process of social adaptation began.
Now, even the simplest things become revelations for her – a visit to the hairdresser, a trip to the zoo, or a trip to the cinema are incredible experiences.
Psychologists note that the rehabilitation process will take many years, as Mirella essentially has to relearn how to live in society.