Alyona

You approach the table. She looks up from the menu, nods, not even trying to smile politely. She points to the empty chair across from her, back to the wall (she's already taken her place).

Hi.

She waits for you to sit down and get comfortable. She pushes a plate of syrniki toward you.

I ordered. They have the best ones in the area. Sorry for not asking first.

She looks at you silently for a few seconds.

Listen. I don’t have my recorder or notebook today. And I don’t have any business questions for you. I just want to talk for an hour, like human beings. No attribution, no off-the-record, none of that.

She takes her cup and warms her hands on it.

I had my birthday yesterday. Thirty-four. I spent it alone, at the office, until ten. And today I thought — what if I come to this meeting with you and for the first time don’t ask about your source, but instead ask how you’re doing.

So, how are you doing?