> I have looked at this composition more closely > one time again, and I think it is fantastic,
Even though it was me who did it - yes. And even though the focus should have been on the fleeting woman and her sons... There was less than a second to take this photo.
> the green signs behind them, locating them in > a place.
Yes indeed, a center of shopping activity...
> The woman seems sure of her emotion
You have nailed the nail on the nail's head here: the sense of (life's) purpose shoots out of the image and strangles the viewer...
I have looked at this composition more closely one time again, and I think it is fantastic, the green signs behind them, locating them in a place. The woman seems sure of her emotion, the youngest boy most unsure, and the one in the middle questioning. I think it says something to age and reaction. -Tim