Merchant Counting Notes in Bandung Bazaar Morning

First rays of sunrise pierce the covered bazaar aisle in Bandung, illuminating damp awnings that hang low over a narrow walkway. A merchant sits behind a wooden counter, his hands busy sorting a stack of currency notes under the warm glow of a single swinging bulb. The bulb casts a focused pool of light on the paper bills, against the cooler, gray morning light filtering from the open end of the stall. Wet patches on the concrete floor reflect the dim interior, while the dry season air leaves the hanging textiles crisp despite the moisture on the ground. The merchant’s posture is hunched slightly forward, focused entirely on the transaction at hand. A folded plastic bag rests on the edge of the counter, its crinkled surface catching the stray light.