(click painting to enlarge)
The landscape is devoid of life as if it’s waiting to start life. Pathways go in several directions so choices abound, but the child’s choices are split. The hidden figures are the child’s fears. She is afraid of them so stays where she is. Whist she is sad she has some comfort in her thoughts. She is afraid to leave the snowdrops, which are comforting thoughts. The child feels it is better to have a half-life of pain and comfort than nothing at all. The two guides are trying to show her that there are other choices.