I took this shot July 3, at a city park where I worked in Feicheng, Shandong Province, China. I’ve returned to this image frequently, trying to attach a story to the woman. At first look, this might appear to be peaceful scene, but the more I look at it, I don’t think it is.
Resting After Supper
The reflection of trees at the top of the image give us a feeling of peace, and the woman is resting in the peace of the evening. However, the lotus leaves cut across the shot, right in the center, creating a feeling of unease and unrest. Look closely; there is a discarded paper cup littering the lotus leaves. A metaphor?
The woman, herself, appears to be more troubled than peaceful. Her brow is raised; her posture is not relaxed. She has carried her portable stool down the hill to the lotus pond, possibly searching for a quiet rest, for a moment of peace. Is she praying for someone? Her husband? Her child? Herself?
You can find other posts in response to Jake’s Sunday Challenge at his link: http://jakesprinters.wordpress.com
Ramblings 
I found the people there show little emotion externally. Your questions make me think about all the possibilities!
You are right. I’ve looked at this image dozens of times. Part of the unsettled feeling comes from my composition and I believe that it would be a peaceful image if composed differently. But you are right; they do not show much emotion externally until they trust you.
But doesn’t she just invite a story?
She definitely invites a story… she looks so wise!
I keep telling myself I will write that story.
Keep asking the questions – my vote is she is escaping from caring for a grand child. 🙂
Escaping the care of grandchild is entirely possible as the young couples rely heavily on the grandmothers. 🙂
Awwww her body really doesn’t look relaxed, it’s so easy to get caught up in what people might be feeling in certain moments. Really beautiful picture though, and it really makes you think