We are delving into the Guardian Long Read archives to present you with timeless pieces from previous years, complemented by fresh introductions from the original authors.

This week, from the year 2020: Jake Haendel endured months confined within his body, silent and immobile yet fully aware. While many individuals never recover from 'locked-in syndrome,' a condition where they remain conscious but paralyzed, Jake's case perplexed medical professionals, who found every aspect of it to be extraordinary.