I wish I could share not just the transcript of my interview with Larissa, but also the story and details of how we met. Sadly, my memory of that day is almost entirely blank. I only remember two things: it was November 25, 2022, and the night before, I had been inconsolable. My most belovedContinue reading “Larissa Mayara Meister”
Author Archives: Arnest Makhin
Desired
“How do you feel?”“The ambiguity of my current state affects my well-being, but I just returned from my summer holiday, and I feel very optimistic—ready for new challenges. I’m also excited about this session. It’s not something I do every day.”“Could you describe that feeling of excitement?”“It’s joyful. I’d even call it an addiction—but aContinue reading “Desired”
Nikita Vlassenko
“How did you realize fashion was your passion?” I asked.“My parents exposed me to culture at a very young age, and my father has always been deeply sensitive to anything related to beauty,” Nikita began, his voice warm and deliberate, prolonging his words with a soft smile. “My first real encounter with fashion was whenContinue reading “Nikita Vlassenko”
Adele
“Do you consider yourself a free person?” I asked.“No,” she said. “I grew up constantly trying to be the best version of myself—to make my parents proud, to have friends, to catch the attention of boys I liked. It was always about improving myself. But eventually, it became exhausting, trying to live up to thisContinue reading “Adele”
Camille
“How do you feel?” I asked her.“I’m excited to talk with you,” she said with a laugh. “And there’s your dog! I’m always happy when I see a dog.” “What does happiness mean to you?”“It’s that feeling when you don’t need or want anything more than what you already have. When I’m happy, I can’tContinue reading “Camille”
Marine
“You are a teacher of mindfulness and assist people in equitherapy. Let’s start with mindfulness—what is it?” I asked her.“It’s a state of being present—in your thoughts, feelings, and environment. It’s about learning to observe without judgment and embracing the present moment instead of dwelling on the past or worrying about the future.” “Is thereContinue reading “Marine”
Elena
“How do you feel?” I asked her.“Excited!” she replied.“Could you describe this feeling?”“I feel it in my gut. It makes me happy and makes me smile. But it also brings a little nervousness about the unknown.” “What does happiness mean to you?”“Being at peace with yourself and truly accepting your life situation.” “Is there somethingContinue reading “Elena”
Zoé
“I don’t like when things change, even if it can be for the better. I like things to always be in order,” she said to me.“Change is inevitable, isn’t it?”“I know, I know. It’s very complicated for me.” “Are you afraid to die?”“Yes, I’m very afraid that my life could stop. I simply don’t wantContinue reading “Zoé”
Pierre
“Shall we?” Pierre gestured towards the entrance of Saint-Sulpice. Inside, he pointed to the first side-chapel on the right, and we sat before the mural of Jacob Wrestling with the Angel.“What do you think?” I asked.“Jacob will lose,” he replied. Then, after a pause, “Are you hungry?”“No, I’m fine, but I’ll follow you.”We found aContinue reading “Pierre”
Julia Charra
“What makes you suffer the most?” I asked her.“I miss my mom a lot, from time to time,” she said quietly. “What does it feel like, missing her?”“It’s like an emptiness,” she said after a pause, “a deep ache from her absence. It feels almost primordial. She passed away when I was thirteen. We wereContinue reading “Julia Charra”
