Ano Milia ~ Back in Our Element

In June 2025, Melina and I went to Ano Milia on an outing with the nursery she attended at the time. Seeing her in the forest brought back a feeling I had missed: we were in our natural element again.

We had spent so much time in the forests of Austria. Now we were walking through a different forest together, and with her beside me, the day felt like an adventure.

01 / IN HER ELEMENT

She explored, listened and asked questions. I watched her finding her way through the forest, curious about what was around her.

I recognise that same ease in her at the sea, when she swims. She has taken something from both worlds, and it feels natural to her.

Back in our element. I had missed that feeling more than I realised.

02 / STORIES ALONG THE TRAIL

As we walked, I told her about the animals of the forest and the trees. Years in Austria had left me with knowledge that I could now share with her.

I also told her stories about us. About her and her mum, and the days we went into the mountains with Melina in the baby carrier when she was little.

Her questions brought those days into our walk. With every story, I felt the loss.

03 / THE CONSTANT BACK AND FORTH

It was an intense feeling. I would let myself enjoy the walk, then something would catch me and bring the loss close again.

That movement continued throughout the day. The joy of being there with her and the absence I felt were never far apart.

04 / A PROMISE TO RETURN

I came home feeling empty, but full too. We promised we would do it again, and later we did: just the two of us. When we returned, it was much better. I was much more present, able to be there in the moment with her.

That evening, after we got home from the first outing, there was a red moon. I photographed it above the city.

Photographically, the day could not have ended better.