Terezija’s story continues where it left off yesterday.
After ten years of living together in one of the supported housing units (a branch of the institution), Terezija and Ida had to return to the main institution due to illness.
Together again, but this time with less freedom — and more worry.
Just a few days ago, by a surprising coincidence, we found out that Terezija had spent ten days in the hospital.
No one had informed us.
When she returned — quiet and pale — she urgently began explaining, through gestures and signs, what had happened.
She told us that in the hospital, she had been tied to the bed rail — with a green rope.
That the staff treated her harshly, without respect.
She showed us her hands and other hidden parts of her body — bruises.
She hunched over and began to cry.
She waved her hand, signaling that it was bad, and shook her head.
Softly, barely audibly, she sobbed.
It should never have happened.
Not to her. Not to anyone.
But it did. Again.
Her friend Ida, who sat beside her, comforting her, added:
“Everyone thinks we’re crazy. But we’re not. They just don’t understand us.”
And again — Terezija and Ida wait.
For an honest, open conversation.
For someone willing to come closer.
For someone who will understand — even if they don’t speak with words.
Terezija’s life is slowly coming to an end…
But both of them are still waiting.
Still waiting… just for a human being.
