Father's Kitchen

Picture Story

The kitchen built for Father

April — September 2025 · Lashihai, Lijiang

The new kitchen built for him was constructed by me and the caregiver over these six months, by hand.

I designed every detail: the stovetop height to suit a wheelchair, cabinet doors easy to pull open, non-slip flooring, sufficient light. I imagined him sitting in his wheelchair, watching me make him a bowl of hot soup — the way he used to make it for me when I was small.

Every day, besides caring for him, I was doing renovation. Laying bricks, painting walls, installing cabinets, choosing tiles. Watching the kitchen take shape little by little, like watching a dream about to come true.

I did not realise I was building a consolation for myself.