A long time ago I saw this photograph, taken by a photographer who photographs people in their everyday lives in New York and shares them on a page called Humans of New York. Today I came across the photograph again in my archive and remembered the comments written by people who had seen this green-bearded old man in person and knew him. Many wrote that he was an exceptionally kind, lovable, warm and joyful person whose presence each day brought a taste of colour and happiness into other people’s lives.

I had kept his photograph in my archive because to me he looked like the embodiment of all the lovable characters from every children’s story written until now, and even those yet to be written. How easy it is to love this much colour, life and genuine kindness, something that cannot remain hidden in a person’s eyes.

I could not resist sharing this colour and beauty with you in these difficult days. Where is he these days? I hope that those we love, wherever in the world they bring colour into our lives, are safe and well. Life is an apple: one must bite into it, skin and all. If only the seeds of all our hearts could be this brightly coloured and visible.

Aydin Areta