Dik-dik Hiding in Shanghai Scrubland at Dawn

Early summer mist clings to scrubland bordering a glacial stream near Nanjing Road. A tiny dik-dik presses its tawny coat against a weathered wooden post, large dark eyes scanning the fog. Wind whips thin grass blades into horizontal lines across the foreground, forming a natural frame around the animal. The stream water flows with visible white turbulence, reflecting the pale gray sky. Dew coats green leaves, heavy and distinct. The animal remains still, its small ears pinned back against the rushing air. Sunlight breaks weakly through the mist, illuminating a patch of wet moss on the rock beside the stream.