My Mother is a Transvestite

Party Preparation

The morning sun shined warmly on Ima's room, giving a golden tinge to the cream-colored walls of her room. Under the sunlight, Ima was lying on her bed, staring at the pastel-colored birthday invitation she held tightly in her hands.

"Joseph!" shouted Ima, calling her foster sister who was in the next room, "Do you think the theme of 'Stars' is suitable for my party?"

From across the room, Joseph's footsteps approached. He appeared at the door with a pile of colorful cloths in his left hand. "Whatever theme you choose will definitely be beautiful, Ima," she replied with a smile, although her facial expression showed concentration, "But, the stars sound interesting."

Ima sat on the edge of her bed, her eyes twinkling. "I can imagine," he said excitedly, "Star-shaped lanterns hang from the ceiling, and all guests wear star-shaped crowns..."

Ana, their mother, enters the room with two glasses of orange juice in her hands. "Hearing you guys talk about the stars made me think of the old village nights, where we could see thousands of stars in the sky without the city's light being interrupted."

Ima took a glass from Ana's hand and drank some of it. "I want everything to be perfect, Mom," said Ima with sparkling eyes. "All my friends are coming, and I want them to be impressed."

Ana gently stroked Ima's hair. "I know you'll make it an unforgettable night" she said with a gentle smile, "You always have a way to make things special."

Meanwhile, Joseph was sitting on a chair by the window, the morning sun was shining on his slightly wrinkled face. On his lap, a light blue cloth with a knitting needle in his right hand. His hand movements looked a bit stiff. "I want to give Ima something special," she said in a soft voice, "But, I'm not very good at knitting."

Ima approached and sat down beside him, "I'm sure whatever you make, I'll like it, Brother," he said as he looked sincerely at Yusuf's eyes.

While Joseph's face looked relieved, he gave a small smile. "Thank you, Ima. I just want what's best for you."

The three of them then sat together in Ima's room, discussing the various party preparations with glasses of orange juice in their hands. While outside, the cool breeze blew gently, shaking the leaves of the trees blown by the wind, giving a calm and peaceful atmosphere amid the busy preparations for the Ima birthday party.

Dusk in the city presents a view of the sky graded from orange to dark purple. The sounds of children laughing and talking cheerfully began to sound from the distance. In the courtyard of Ana's house, star-shaped balloons adorned the shady tree while swaying in the breeze.

Ima, in a light blue dress matching the theme of the party, stood at the door, welcoming her guests with a bright smile. His face sparkled every time someone came and gave a gift or congratulation.

Meanwhile, beside him, Yusuf looked a little awkward. He wore a white shirt and tried to help by serving drinks to guests. However, the juice spill that soaked the table became a testament to its awkwardness.

"Yusuf, be careful a little!" reprimand Ana with a soft tone while wiping the table with a rag. Joseph's face was red with shame, but he tried to smile to hide it.

From the crowd, appears Lina, a close friend of Ima. His long hair, which was usually neatly pigtailed, is now free. His eyes looked puffy, and his face was pale. "Happy birthday, Ima," he said slowly while giving a gift.

"Thank you, Lina," Ima said as she hugged her friend, "Why does your face look so sad?"

Lina sighed. "Milo, my cat, disappeared this morning. I've been looking for him everywhere, but I can't find him."

Ima felt Lina's chest shake slightly. He looked into Lina's eyes with concern, "I'm so sorry to hear that. Milo must be fine. We can find him together after the party, huh?"

Lina tried to smile, "Thank you, Ima. You're always there for me."

Ana approached them with two glasses of juice in hand, "This is for the two of you. Lina, don't be so sad. Cats often go away and come back on their own."

Lina nodded, "Thank you, Aunt Ana." His face looked a little brighter. He then joins his other friends, trying to enjoy the party despite his sad heart.

Ima laughed, "There's a race guessing the number of sweets in jars and a music chair game, Rizal. You must like it!"

Rizal was excited, "I definitely won!"

The party continued with sounds of laughter and resounding music. Every corner of the house seemed to be alive with bright decorations and children running around. Amidst the excitement, Ana, Ima, and Yusuf do not forget to always make sure every guest feels comfortable and happy. They were shoulder to shoulder, bringing warmth on a special day for Ima.

The shady tree in Ana's yard looked different that night. Star-shaped decorative lights are lit, giving a soft light that shines around. Under the tree, a long table was filled with piles of gifts wrapped in colorful paper.

"Welcome to open the gift, Ima!" one of his friends cheerfully.

Ima sat in the chair that had been provided in front of the table. Ana stood next to him, with Joseph on the other side. "Well, let's start with the biggest one!" ima said while laughing.

The first gift is wrapped in bright pink paper. Ima opened it carefully, and inside was a cute teddy bear. "Well, thank you, Sari!" ima said as she lifted the doll.

As time goes by, the prize pile decreases. There are books, clothes, toys, and other gifts that Ima receives with a smile and a thank you.

However, just as Ima was about to open the final gift, the atmosphere changed. A medium-sized box, wrapped in plain black paper with no greeting card or sender identification. Joseph looked at the box with a puzzled look, while Ana looked agitated. The lights of decorative lights created shadows that danced on their faces, adding to the tension of the atmosphere.

"Who gave you this?" ask Ima with curiosity.

Joseph scratched his head, "I don't know, maybe someone forgot to write his name."

Ana tried to speak in a voice that remained calm, even though her eyes showed concern. "Maybe you can open it later, Ima. Now, how about we get on with the game?"

However, Ima was already too curious. With a slightly trembling hand, he began to open the wrapping paper. When the box opens, inside is an old photo album. Ima opens it and on the first page, there is a photo of Ana when she was young, with some friends who seem familiar to her.

Ana looked surprised. His face paled, and his eyes looked at the photo with a mixture of shock and nostalgia. "Mom, what is this?" ima asked gently, watching her mother's facial expression.

Ana took a deep breath, "That's a photo of my past, when I was still with my old friends." His voice was shaking, trying to hold back the emotions.

Joseph held onto Ana's shoulder gently, "Who sent this, Mom?"

Ana shook her head, "I don't know, but this must be from someone who knows me from the past."

A gentle night wind blew, making the leaves rustle. The lights of the ornamental lights flickered, creating an increasingly profound atmosphere. All the guests seemed speechless, waiting for Ana to explain further.

Ima, with eyes sparkling with water, said, "Whoever sent this, must want you to remember the good memories from the past."

Ana sighed, "You're right, Ima. Although there are some parts of the past that I want to forget, there are also good memories that I always remember."

The night, though beginning with an unexpected surprise, ends with a warm embrace between Ana, Ima, and Joseph, strengthening their family bonds amid memories of the past.