~~~~ A photographer tells ~~~~

In the Afternoon Glow

Late in the afternoon, walking along the beach at Chitimba, I saw her standing there. She had just been washed by her mother in the clear waters of Lake Malawi. She was looking straight ahead, towards her mother, who was now bathing her younger sister. Her African hair was still wet, droplets glistening on her face.

Then she saw me, and our eyes met.

A little later, the two girls sat on the beach, facing each other, drying off in the last warmth of the day. Forgive sat quietly. She looked straight at me, her gaze deep and questioning. Her small body was still fully wrapped in the colourful Chitenge cloth, the bright patterns standing out sharply against the sand. Dora sat opposite her, her head slightly turned over her shoulder. In her hand, she held her teddy bear tightly. Her cloth had come loose and lay in soft folds on the sand.

Cheers,