Sunglasses

I have a childhood memory about sunglasses.

When I was a child, I only saw my uncle with sunglasses. He was an “idol” singer in Japan. One day I asked him, “Why are you always wearing sunglasses?” He replied, “I don’t like it, but I have to.” I did not understand.

Some years passed and I met my uncle again during high school years. He said, “Look, I am not wearing sunglasses! I do not need them because nobody recognizes me anymore.” He laughed, but looked a bit sad.

Later he started singing on the street for “free”. Some people stopped and cheered him. I did not understand.

Again he gained some popularity and received some awards. I saw him singing live on TV for the first time. There were a few songs I knew from other younger singers. I did not know that he was the “original” singer of those songs.

So he became a bit famous again, but then he was too old and did not wear sunglasses anymore. Did he ever dream to wear sunglasses again? I don’t know, but he certainly looked happier without them.