Zoe by Zlata Karbovska

I won't lie

and say that I didn’t worry at all—because I did, a little. It was one evening, a week ago, when I got a call from a writer—Sandra, who has been publishing for the past three years. She said she liked my articles and asked if I would be interested in writing something about her. She probably also saw my pieces about other writers, where I never really criticized anyone, so she wouldn’t have much to worry about. I believe we should support our writers, especially since there are so few of them nowadays. So, I agreed right away. It’s always great to write about someone when you’ve had the opportunity to actually speak with them, rather than gathering all the facts on your own.

Our meeting was scheduled for this afternoon at 3 p.m., right in the middle of the usual workday hustle. I arrived and stepped out of the car, turning around to better take in the local scenery. It was breathtaking—tall, wide, powerful mountains covered in snow, and the sun hanging so low in the sky, it felt like you could almost reach up and touch it. I inhaled the fresh, cold, sharp air scented with spruces, and then I heard the door open.

— Zoe, nice to see you! Please come into the house.

Sandra, her son, and her husband moved to this beautiful place exactly three years ago, just as Sandra began her professional writing career. It’s no secret that the place they chose is precisely what you picture when you think of a calm, quiet retreat—perfect for living and creating. Their house looks like it’s straight out of a magazine: all wood, with a lovely staircase leading up to the entrance, high ceilings, even the glasses in the kitchen feel so delicate and gentle in your hands. It smelled of wood and fine, aged wine.

We sat in comfortable chairs—me with tea, and Sandra with a glass of wine. She seemed completely at ease: in her words, her gestures, her appearance. I could tell she was someone truly content—with her work, her family, and the place she called home. I had so many and many questions, so I began our short and cosy interview.