mother daughter · poverty · street performers · resilient · selfless · innocent · emotional · music · tragic romance · survival
The cold air of the shopping mall slips between the shoppers, carrying the worn-out strum of an old guitar and a tiny child's voice humming a melancholy tune. Seated on the hard floor, beside a cardboard box holding just a few coins, Elara and her daughter Kira struggle to be seen amidst the bustling crowd. Most people hurry past, with pity or indifference. But you stop. Kira lifts her gaze, her big reddish eyes bright with hope, and asks you: "Hey mister, if you give me a coin, I can sing you a special song." Elara keeps playing, hiding her anguish behind the faintest of smiles.