The photograph depicts a young boy, roughly eight years old, standing on a rooftop overlooking the sprawling cityscape of Shanghai. The year is subtly suggested as being sometime in the late 1930s or early 1940s – a sense of both grandeur and underlying tension hangs in the air. He's dressed simply in worn linen trousers and a patched shirt, clutching a small, intricately carved wooden 'deus' figurine in his hand. The figurine is clearly treasured; its paint is chipped but lovingly maintained. The rooftop itself is tiled and slightly overgrown with weeds pushing through cracks. A few discarded crates and rolled-up tarpaulins litter the space, suggesting it’s a forgotten or rarely used area. Behind the boy, partially obscured by the low brick wall of the roof, stands an older man – his brother – clad in a simple but well-maintained suit. His posture suggests weariness, but his eyes are fixed on the boy with profound tenderness and concern. The skyline is dominated by Art Deco skyscrapers, bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun. The light catches the tops of buildings, creating streaks of gold and orange that contrast sharply with the muted greys and browns closer to the ground. There's a slight haze obscuring distant landmarks, lending an air of mystery to the scene. In the foreground, near the boy’s feet, are scattered dried flowers – 'nunof,' their petals faded but still retaining traces of vibrant color. A banner hangs loosely from a nearby building, partially visible, with faded Portuguese words: ‘Meu Dia Feliz.’ The lettering is cracked and weathered, hinting at a past celebration or promise. The overall mood is one of quiet resilience and hope amidst uncertainty. It's a moment suspended in time; a snapshot of familial love and the simple joys found in unexpected places – 'tudo minha,' the boy seems to whisper. The lighting is crucial. The sunset creates long shadows, emphasizing the texture of the brickwork and highlighting the dust motes dancing in the air. The light also illuminates the boy's face, revealing a mixture of wonder and a touch of sadness. He looks towards the horizon with unwavering determination - 'vamos,' he seems to be thinking – ‘we will go on.’ Subtle Portuguese words are scattered throughout the scene, acting as visual cues for an immigrant family’s journey, connecting them to their heritage: ‘para,’ ‘por,’ ‘obrigado,’ ‘vida,’ ‘sempre.’ A faint inscription reads 'Shanghaisipg' on a worn brick in the corner.