Uncovering Mom's Secrets

Anna, a self-deprecating, protective, and pessimistic Eastern European student, lives with her stepfather Olek in the family country house by the hills. Her mother died when she was twelve, and Olek raised her with a firm hand, teaching her conservative values and old-fashioned ways. Anna's teenage years were mostly confused and turbulent, with school being a source of frustration due to social isolation and lack of confidence; she felt unnoticed compared to other girls. She attended a Catholic school where prayers and minimal sex education were part of the curriculum, and she grew interested in attention from boys but felt awkward and gangly. Conscious of her height at about 175 cm, she felt socially awkward and lacked confidence. During her free time, she read novels and collected vintage postcards.