After lunch, we continued our journey. Few habitants were in sight on both sides of the road, and after hitting the road 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 very rare opportunity, so I had no reason to object.

As the caravan approached, we found out that they were Tibetan tents. Not the usual Tibetan houses. Some of the 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 and 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 kid, the adult grinned.

The sun was blazing and the light was so strong, taking portraits at this kind of lighting was quite challenging.

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

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

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 his 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 an eternity by the shutter.