The Connection

After lunch, we continued our journey. Few inhabitants were in sight on both sides of the road. After travelling for about a hundred kilometres, we found a few families not too far from the road.

The driver asked, "Do you want to visit the Tibetans?"

This was a rare opportunity, so I had no reason to object.

As the caravan approached, we found that they were Tibetan tents, not the usual Tibetan houses. Some Tibetans still live the life of herdsmen.

The Tibetans were hospitable and entertained us warmly. Besides drinking ghee tea, we also tasted the cookies they made.

I took my camera, looked around, and found this little kid outside the tent.

He was sitting there, resting.

I smiled at the adult beside him, pointed to the camera, and pointed to the child. The adult grinned.

The sun was blazing and the light was very strong. Taking portraits in this kind of lighting was quite challenging.

After a few shots, the results were less than satisfactory. The light was simply too contrasty.

Suddenly, I had an idea. I held the camera with one hand and pulled my jacket with the other to block the sun, leaving the child shrouded in my shadow.

“How could a supposedly innocent child have such complex eyes?”

He looked up at me.

At that moment, it was as if I was connected to him.

I saw the child's expression. From his eyes, I felt confusion, helplessness, uncertainty, and a touch of chagrin.

How could a supposedly innocent child have such complex eyes?

I may never be able to understand or find the answer.

But this moment has been turned into eternity by the shutter.