I feel a bit of explanation is required, as much to myself as to anyone else. I feel almost as if I have to apologise, or perhaps defend myself, for having taken this shot.
This young girl – she couldn’t be older than nine – came marching right up to me while I was taking photos of some caves nearby and told me to take her photo. She was friendly, smiling most of the time, all in all quite engaging. But every time I pointed the lens at her, this is the expression that consistently emerged. There are several photos of her in the Timor-Leste collection, so you can see for yourself.
This is, to the extent that my poor abilities allow, exactly what she wanted to say.