MOTHER DAUGHTER AFTERNOONS

I remember dropping by Siya’s place for tea one afternoon—I told her I’d bring my camera along. She didn’t think much of it, just welcomed me in. I simply watched (photographed) them quietly as the afternoon unfolded: Siya and her daughter in their own little world. Her daughter was getting ready for the park, insisting on combing her mom’s hair, setting up her toys and dolls just the way she liked, as we sipped our tea. It was simple, real, and beautiful. I later decided to save all the images and gift them to Siya for Mother’s Day. It felt like a small return gift for what they unknowingly gave me that day—love, simplicity, and a kind of light that stays with you.