Yesterday, my aunt and uncle (young 80-somethings) were traveling on London’s Northern Line. A guitar wielding busker boarded the train. He made a general announcement requesting “20p” from each of the carriage’s passengers “for a song”… but, he said, he “hoped for 50p.”
Of course passengers’ heads went down. Always friendly, though, my aunt must have made eye contact with him and smiled reflexively. It was unsurprising he then tried to start a conversation.
My uncle could not keep his trap shut: “Today’s my wife’s birthday.”
Well, that was it. The musician seized his opportunity, asked my aunt her name and breaking into a rendition of “Happy Birthday.” Within moments, the entire, full tube carriage, including well-suited businesspeople, were singing along.
My aunt (a born Londoner) and uncle (who has lived in London most of his life) couldn’t believe it…
