Olive-skinned girl found living with blond couple in Sweden

“Maja” was discovered in a dangerously sterile environment, completely devoid of charm and character.

STOCKHOLM — Officials in Sweden are appealing for the public’s help after an olive-skinned girl was discovered living with a blond couple in a quiet neighborhood in Skoghall, a town in central Sweden on the edge of Lake Vänern

Police discovered “Maja,” who appears to be four or five years old, when neighbors reported spotting a child who looked Mediterranean. She had also attracted attention by speaking above a whisper and broadly smiling at strangers.

This is the house where Maja was kept. Authorities say most of the bottom floor was a massive playroom where the joyless couple forced toys, bikes and games upon her. (Photo courtesy of Richard Green)

When police discovered Maja, she was watching television in the couple’s dangerously sterile two-story home with modernist décor. Although Maja had her own large bedroom, a proper diet and plenty of toys, she was said to be severely affected by her environment, resulting in acute emotional reticence.

A spokesperson for the charity taking care of Maja insisted she was quickly recovering with the help of festive Roma music and flavorful food. Additionally, at least a dozen aid workers have been recruited from Italy, Spain and and Greece. Their job will be to sit near the girl, laugh and chat with each other without fearing that others are silently judging them.