My Mother is a Transvestite

Painting Background

Behind the faces that have been beautifully immortalized on the canvas, empty spaces with boundless potential are waiting to be filled. Ana stood up, holding onto her paint palette, her eyes looking at the various bright colors ready to perfect her painting.

"What color best reflects my past?" muttered Ana slowly, her fingers gently rubbing each tube of paint.

The walls of the room seemed to listen, absorbing Ana's every thought. The gurgling sound of water from the outdoor pool adds to the peace. However, in that peace, Ana's past memories resurface. The colors of the past are full of struggle, scorn, but also affection.

With a brush in hand, Ana begins to create a backdrop. He chose light blue, reminiscent of the days when he felt alone, surrounded by darkness. However, there are also tinge of orange and yellow, which depict the hope and warmth of the people who love her.

While painting, he remembered Sari, his departed friend, who also suffered a similar fate to him. "We have to stay strong, Ana," Sari said in her memory, as they sat together by the side of the road after being evicted from the house.

"You remember, Sari?" Ana whispered, her tears falling onto the canvas, blending with the paint. "We promised to paint the world in our bright colors."

The door of the room opened slowly, and Ima entered with a cup of tea in her hand. "Mom, you look tired" he said in a worried voice, "I made you tea."

Ana smiled, stopping her brush for a moment. "Thank you, baby," he said, taking the cup from Ima's hand. "You always know when I need a break."

Ima sat next to Ana, "Tell me about the background you painted, Mom. About the colors."

Ana sighed, "Every color has a story, Ima. Like this light blue, it reminds me of the days when I felt alone. However, orange and yellow represent the hope and love of the people who have always been there for me."

Ima looked at the painting in awe, "Every brush stroke of yours is filled with feelings, Mom. I can feel it."

Ana looked at Ima with teary eyes, "That's art, baby. The way we express our feelings, our story."

The two of them then drowned in memories, sitting together under the warm light of the lamp, surrounded by the fragrant aroma of tea and the soothing sound of water gurgling.

After a while, Ana resumed her painting, with Ima by her side. The two of them, mother and son, filled the space with love and memories, through every brushstroke and warm conversation.

The twilight light shone through the room through a large window, giving a golden tinge to each affected object. On a corner table, there are several family memorabilia: a small train-shaped toy, a light blue beaded bracelet, and a silver necklace with a heart-shaped pendant.

Ana picked up the little train toy, holding it gently. "This was Joseph's favorite toy when he was a baby" he told himself, recalling the times when Joseph always fell asleep with the toy in his hand. Carefully, he described the toy in a corner of the canvas, creating perfect detail up to the toy's small wheels.

Next, Ana took out a light blue beaded bracelet. Each bead reminded her of the carefree laughter of Ima, as she gave it as a birthday present. Ana paints the bracelet on the wrist of Ima's image, with beaded details that appear as if they are glittering.

Then, Ana looked at the necklace with a heart-shaped pendant. The necklace she received during the transition, a symbol of her personal journey, was filled with love and acceptance. Ana hangs it around her own neck in a painting, with a touch full of emotion.

As Ana was working through the last few details, the sound of knocking on the door disturbed her concentration. "Who is it?" thought.

The door opened slowly, revealing the figure of their neighbor, Mother Rini, with a bright face. "Well, Ana, sorry to interrupt. I saw the light in this room and was curious about what you were doing" he said as he entered the room.

Ana smiled, "Welcome, Miss Rini. I just finished my family painting."

Rini's mother approached the canvas, her eyes widened in admiration. "Well, this is amazing, Ana! Every detail is so alive. I especially like that part of the necklace," she said as she pointed at the necklace in Ana's picture.

Ana was a little nervous. "Thank you, Miss Rini. That necklace has a special meaning to me."

Ana nodded, "Of course, Mom."

After Rini's mother left, Ana sat on the sofa, looking at her work. He was proud of what he had created. Not only because of his painting skills, but also because of the story and meaning behind every detail.

Joseph and Ima joined him, hugging him tightly. "You're amazing, ma'am," whispered Ima.

Ana looked at her two children, their eyes filled with love and pride. "We are all amazing" he said in a hopeful voice.

As the sun began to sink, Ana's living room was filled with a warm golden light. The usually simple room has now been turned into a small gallery. In the center of the room, a large canvas with paintings of Ana's family was placed proudly.

Yusuf and Ima were busy arranging the small chairs and tables. On the table, there were some light dishes and drinks they had prepared for the upcoming family.

"Mom, do you think grandparents would love this painting?" I asked her a little nervously.

Ana approaches and hugs Ima, "They will definitely like her, dear. We've captured our wonderful memories here."

Before long, the sound of the house bell rang. Joseph immediately ran to the door and opened it. One by one, the family members started coming. Starting from grandparents, uncles and aunts, to cousins Yusuf and Ima.

Grandfather, with his already whitened hair and a stick in his hand, approached the painting with slow steps. "It's amazing, Ana," she said in a choked voice.

Ana approaches him, "Thank you, Grandpa. I want everyone to see and feel our togetherness."

Grandma, with teary eyes, added, "I'm proud of you, Ana. You've been through a lot and now you're standing here, with the family you love."

As the night wore on, the room was filled with laughter and stories. They talked about the past, the time when Ana was a child, the time when Joseph and Ima were first adopted, and many other memories.

Uncle Budi, always known for his humor, said with a laugh, "Remember when Joseph tried to climb a tree in the backyard? And he's been stuck there for hours?"

Everyone laughed, including Joseph who looked embarrassed. "I just want to take the ball, Uncle!" he said while laughing.

As the host, Ana is busy serving guests, but a smile never leaves her face. He felt so lucky to have a family supporting him.

Ima, with a glass of juice in her hand, approached Ana. "Mom, I want to say something," he said seriously.

Ana looked down, "What is that, baby?"

Ima took a deep breath, "I'm proud to have a mother like you. Even though we're not a real family, the love you gave me was more than enough."

Ana shed tears, hugging Ima tightly. "You are my greatest gift, Ima."

That night, the room was filled with gratitude and happiness. Although there were several times tears fell, but more laughter echoed. The family, with all its dynamics, is always a place of return for every member. And the paintings of Ana's family are a living proof of her unwavering togetherness.