My Mother is a Transvestite
When Ima Sick
The sky was cloudy with a smooth roar from the dark clouds in the distance. Raindrops began to fall, drenching the dry earth. In a simple wooden house on the side of the path, Ana sits beside the bed of Ima, her foster child who is in a fever. From the open window of the room, the scent of wet soil and the sound of rain swirling in, created a soothing yet heartbreaking atmosphere.
"Mother, my head hurts so much" Ima complained in a weak voice, her half-closed eyes showing discomfort.
Ana, gently, rubbed Ima's forehead using her warm palm. "Hold on a moment, baby," Ana said in a trembling voice, trying not to show her deep concern. He grabbed a clean sheet of cloth, dipped it in cold water, then squeezed it out and stuck it to Ima's forehead.
Ima looked at Ana's face, seeking courage and comfort. Ana's face looked weary, but her big, brown eyes were always radiating affection. "Mom, can you read the fairy tale that wasn't yesterday?" pinta Ima with a hoarse voice.
A faint smile appeared on Ana's lips. "Sure, dear." He picked up a fairy tale book from the next shelf of the bed and began reading the story of a princess who got lost in the forest.
Along with the story, Ana begins to remember her childhood. "Know not, Ima?" Ana looked into Ima's round eyes full of curiosity. "First, I also often heard this fairy tale from your Grandma. Back then, we lived in a small village on the edge of the forest."
Ima moved her little finger, touched Ana's hand, "Really, Mom?"
Ana nodded, "Yes, every night, as the stars blinked in the sky, Grandma always sat on the veranda, against the background of shady trees and the gurgling sound of water from the small river behind the house. He'll call me and start telling me magical stories."
The house feels so alive with those memories. Ima could imagine a young Ana, sitting on the porch with her grandmother, accompanied by moonlight and chanting crickets. The look on Ana's face changed, the sun seemed to start shining even though it was just a moment behind the cloud of her past.
"Every time I hear that story, I always feel safe and loved" Ana continued, her eyes watering. "Simple things like listening to stories at night, seeing the stars, or feeling the gusts of the night wind.that's what makes life feel worthwhile."
A cool breeze barged in through the window, making the curtains move gently, as if listening to Ana's story. Ima, despite the fever, looks a little better with sparkling eyes.
"So, Ima," said Ana, holding onto Ima's hand tightly, "even though you're not feeling well right now, always remember that every moment of your life is precious. Every pain, every laugh, every tear, everything is part of your beautiful life story."
Ima smiled weakly, "Thank you, Mother. I love you."
Ana lowered her head, kissing Ima's forehead, "And Mom loves you more than anything, baby."
The two hugged each other, drowning in peace and affection, though outside the rain was getting heavier and the wind was blowing hard. Although the weather is not friendly, but in the house, there is love that can warm the heart.
That day the sun shone brightly, creating long shadows of every tree and building on the streets. There are no clouds blocking the sunlight, but the cool breeze makes it feel comfortable. The chirping of the birds rang out in the distance, creating harmony with the rustling of the wind-struck leaves.
Ana carefully held the limp-wrapped Ima, while Joseph walked beside them with a worried facial expression. The puskesmas building stands majestically with white walls that begin to peel in some parts, but still looks neat and clean.
"Mba Ana, let's go fast. Doctor Rini is not very busy" said a short-haired nurse who recognized them. He led them to the examination room.
Doctor Rini, a middle-aged woman with two braided hair, looked at Ima closely. "What does Ima feel?" ask her gently.
"Fever high, Doc, and limp," Ana replied, her face looking anxious. The look on his face showed how deep his worry was, his eyebrows were clenched and his eyes reddened.
Doctor Rini nodded, taking her stethoscope to check on Ima. "We may need to do some tests, Ms. Ana, to make sure what's really going on."
Ana bites her lower lip, "How much does it cost, Doc?"
Doctor Rini took a deep breath, "I'll try to give you a discount, but still it may cost you a lot."
In a corner of the room, Joseph began to tear apart the scrap paper he found in his bag. Patently, he began to fold the paper into simple shapes. Moments later, an origami bird formed in his hand.
"Father, look at this," Joseph said excitedly, trying to distract his sister from the ongoing conversation. Ima's eyes began to sparkle as she looked at the origami bird in Joseph's hand.
Joseph smiled, "This is a phoenix, a bird that can come back to life from its ashes. Like you, that's sure to get well soon and get back to playing."
Ima smiled faintly, looked at the origami bird in her hand, then looked at her brother's loving face. "Thank you, Brother."
Ana, who heard their conversation, looked at her two children with teary eyes. "Thank you, Joseph," he whispered.
Doctor Rini, who witnessed everything, patted Ana's shoulder gently. "We'll do our best for Ima, Miss Ana. Don't worry."
That morning blew the wind that blew with the distinctive aroma of dry leaves. The sky was golden orange with sunlight that began to rise from the eastern horizon, shining on the trees whose leaves began to fall. In the village streets, people began to move, open stalls, go to the rice fields, or take a morning walk.
Ana's house looked a little quiet. Some of the items he had moved to the courtyard, hoping that someone would be interested in buying them. There are old wall clocks, decorations, even some clothes that are still worth wearing.
A neighbor, Mr. Hamid, approached with a shunt. "You want to sell all this, Ana?" he asked in a astonished tone while inspecting some items.
Ana nodded, her face firm but those eyes were hard to hide anxiety. "There's an urgent need, sir."
Mr. Hamid grabbed the old wall clock, "How much is this?"
"A hundred thousand only, sir," said Ana hesitantly, her hands trembling slightly.
Without thinking, Mr. Hamid gave two hundred thousand bills to Ana. "Take it, for Ima," he said in a raucous voice.
Ana looked down, trying to hold back the tears. "Thank you, Mr. Hamid," he whispered in a trembling voice.
As the day went on, some items were sold, but it was still far from expected. Ana decides to go to the market and try to work overtime at the stall where she works.
In the shop, the sky was getting dark, fluorescent lights were starting to light up, and the aroma of cooking began to pour out. Ana moves quickly to serve customers with an ever-present smile, despite her tired feet and hands.
In the midst of his busy life, he was reminded of Ima who might be waiting for him at home. So, during the break, he called Joseph.
"How's Ima doing, Yus?" ask her with a voice full of worry.
"Sister is sleeping, Mother. Brother just told a story for her," replied Joseph.
Ana smiled at him, "Thank you, Yus. I'll be home tonight, don't forget to eat."
Night comes with starry skies and the sound of crickets signifying peace. After working late, Ana comes home with a plastic bag filled with food for her children. Although he was tired, his heart was warm when he saw Joseph waiting for him at the door.
"How was it today, Mother?" joseph asked while helping Ana take off her shoes.
Ana sighed, "Pretty good, Yus. We're a little closer to the cost."
They both went into Ima's room, which was still asleep. Ana sits beside the bed, touching Ima's cheek gently. He then begins storytelling, a story about a king who fights for his people, teaching Ima about courage, hope, and infinite love.
"One day, we'll get through this, baby," whispered Ana at the end of the story, looking at Ima's peaceful face.
Joseph, who was standing in the doorway, shed tears. She hugged Ana from behind, giving her unspeakable support and love with words. Amidst adversity, this little family remains strong, together facing every obstacle with love and hope.
