Becoming-with

Abstract

This photograph of two brothers was taken on 20 August, 1975 at Moro Rock in California. Sean and Michael McQuilken (aged 12 and 18) were on a hiking trip with their sister, other brother, and some friends, when nearby visitors noticed that their hair was standing on end. Their sister took a photo of the laughing boys, a few minutes before they were struck by lightning. The boys survived, but the younger child—Sean—suffered third degree burns. Another visitor to the rock was killed by the lightning strike.1