Child holding parent hand at Erbil crosswalk

Bright open daylight floods the paved square outside a metro entrance in Erbil, casting sharp shadows across the autumn ground. A child in a light jacket grips a parent's hand, their feet planted on the striped crosswalk markings. Steam rises in translucent wisps from nearby metal grates, lingering in the crisp air after recent rain. The surrounding architecture features concrete columns and glass panels typical of urban transit hubs. Dry leaves scatter near the curb, hinting at peak autumn. The pair stands at the edge of the road, waiting for the signal to change. A reflection of the white stripes shimmers on the wet asphalt near the child's sneaker.