My Mother is a Transvestite

The Memories of Raka's Past

The sky outside the cafe window was dusk. A line of street lights began to light up, giving a warm feel on an increasingly dark afternoon. Joseph sat at one of the tables by the window, enjoying a cup of hot coffee. Coffee vapor brings a soothing aroma, driving away the fatigue of the day.

While being engrossed in the silence, someone approached and gently patted her on the shoulder. Joseph turned his head and saw a long-haired golden-brown girl. Her beautiful eyes looked at Joseph with familiarity.

"You're Joseph, right?" ask her with a sweet smile.

Joseph nodded doubtfully, "Yes, I am Joseph. Sorry, I forgot to recognize you."

The girl chuckled, "It's okay. I'm Lina, Raka's cousin."

An enlightenment appeared in Joseph's eyes. "Oh, Lina! Raka told me about you. Please sit down."

Lina sat across from Joseph, putting her bag next to him. He ordered some tea and then the two started talking.

"I heard you want to know more about Raka," Lina said, starting the conversation.

Joseph looked down for a moment, feeling somewhat embarrassed. "Yes, actually. But more towards protecting my sister."

Lina nodded understandingly, "I understand. Raka. But behind that, he had a lot of burdens."

Joseph was curious, "What burden do you mean?"

Lina took a deep breath, "First, our family was having quite severe financial difficulties. Raka's parents fought hard, and Raka always tried to keep her sister, Rani, from feeling the hardships we were going through."

Joseph's eyes were round, "I don't know that."

Lina continued, "Raka often works part-time after school to help the family. He always makes sure Rani gets the best, even though she herself has to make sacrifices."

Joseph felt his chest tremble. He imagined how difficult the burden placed on Raka's shoulders.

"So, the flower she gave to Ima was probably just an expression of gratitude or a sign of friendship," Lina said, smiling in understanding.

The look on Joseph's face changed, from disbelief to empathy. "Thank you, Lina. Your story helped me see Raka from a different point of view."

Lina nodded, "Raka is a good man. He just needs time to adjust."

Meanwhile, at Joseph's house, Ana was teaching Ima how to sew. Colorful fabrics were strewn across the floor, and an old sewing machine stood majestically in the center of the room.

"When I was young, Grandma taught me to sew," Ana said as she showed me how to thread a needle.

Ima followed attentively, "It's harder than I imagined."

Ana laughed, "You'll get used to it. I used to feel that way too, but over time became proficient."

Ima smiled, "Maybe someday I can make my own clothes."

Ana nodded, "It definitely can. You have talent."

The two continued their sewing activities, enjoying quality time together. Outside, the stars began to twinkle, signifying a peaceful and hopeful night.

That afternoon, the city park was bathed in a golden yellow light. The leaves of the tree trembled gently in the wind, creating a soothing natural song. On one of the park benches, Joseph sat with tension. Every few minutes, his eyes glanced towards the garden gate, awaiting the arrival of someone.

When Raka finally emerged from behind the gate, Joseph felt his heart beating faster. Raka, in jeans and a checkered shirt, walked calmly towards Yusuf.

"You called me?" Raka asked, sitting next to Joseph.

They both momentarily fell silent. Joseph gathered up his courage, then said, "I want to talk about the flowers you gave to Ima."

Raka raised one eyebrow, looking slightly surprised. "Oh, that. What's problem?"

"Why did you give it to her?" yusuf asked, his face looked solemn, eyes staring intently into Raka's eyes.

Raka sighed, then replied, "It was just a sign of friendship and gratitude."

"thank you? What's for?" Joseph asked in a sharper tone.

Raka lowered her head for a moment, as if she was gathering her thoughts. "She has helped me adapt to a new school. I felt alienated when I first moved, but she was always there, making me feel welcome."

Raka smiled faintly, "I understand. But you don't have to worry about me. I don't intend to hurt him."

Joseph nodded, "Thank you for explaining."

The two of them sat for a moment in silence, enjoying the beauty of the afternoon. Then, with a more relieved feeling, the two parted ways by saying good night to each other.

Meanwhile, at Joseph's house, the smell of popcorn came out of the kitchen. Ana is preparing everything for family movie night. Ima sat on the sofa, choosing the movie she wanted to watch, while the television screen displayed bright images.

When Joseph entered the middle room, Ana and Ima turned their heads. They could see from Joseph's face that his confrontation with Raka was going well.

"Everything's fine, right?" ask Ima with a tone full of worry.

Yusuf nodded, smiling gently, "Yes, everything is fine."

Ana patted the place beside her, taking Joseph to sit down. "Come, we'll start watching. Which movie did you choose, Ima?"

"A classic family movie" Ima replied while pressing the play button.

As the film begins, the tension between them slowly dissipates, replaced with laughter and togetherness. Amidst the dim light from the television, they together enjoy a warm night, realizing how precious each moment they have together is.

The morning sun shone on the city with its golden light, awakening its inhabitants with the promise of a hopeful new day. In one of the small alleys, Joseph walked in light steps, carrying a backpack full of provisions. Shortly after, Raka appeared from the corner of the street with quick steps, approaching Joseph with a big smile on her face.

"Hey, Yusuf!" greet Raka, both eyes sparkling.

"Good morning, Raka," Yusuf replied as he patted Raka's back in a friendly manner, "You're ready for today's adventure?"

Raka nodded in spirit, "Already. I brought some games and snacks. How's yours?"

"Everything is ready" Joseph replied as he showed his backpack, "We are just waiting for Ima."

Before long, Ima appeared in a pastel-colored dress and flip-flops. He looked excited, though his face showed a hint of confusion. "Why do you two look so familiar? What's going on?"

Raka and Joseph looked at each other, then laughed. "We spoke yesterday" said Yusuf, "And we decided to start with a new leaf."

Ima smiled in relief, "That's good news. So, where are we going?"

Raka opened the map from her pocket, "There's a new playground on the other side of town. He said the place was amazing. How about we go there?"

Yusuf nodded in agreement, "Come!"

The three walked down the increasingly crowded city streets. Every now and then they stop at a snack stall or toy store, adding fun to their trip. The atmosphere of the city was filled with the sound of children laughing, the roar of vehicles, and the rustling of leaves swinging in the cool breeze.

After a few moments of walking, they finally arrived at the playground. That place is awesome. Various games, from roller coasters to bianglalas, stand majestically, while jovial songs flow from hidden speakers.

Ima looked over with sparkling eyes, "This is amazing!"

Joseph laughed, "Let's try the roller coaster!"

Raka nodded, "I'm coming!"

They ran towards the roller coaster, enthusiasm filled their every step. After enjoying the thrill of flying in the air, they try a variety of other games, from car bumpers to haunted houses.

In between games, they sit on one of the benches, enjoying the snacks they bring. Raka looked at Joseph, "Thank you, Joseph. Because I want to give me a second chance."

Joseph smiled, "No need to thank me. We all make mistakes. What matters is how we fix it."

Ima added, "The most important thing is that we are all together now, enjoying this wonderful day."

The three of them laughed, enjoying a sincere moment of togetherness. The day was not only full of adventure and laughter, but also full of lessons about the meaning of friendship, understanding and empathy.

When the sun began to sink, Joseph, Ima, and Raka left the playground with a heart full of happiness. They walk home with their hands clasped together, a symbol of friendship reinforced by experience and trust.

As they step away, the sky is purple and orange, providing the perfect ending to an unforgettable day.