My Mother is a Transvestite

Memories of the Past

The grove of trees along the river bank creates a playful shadow on the surface of the water. The sun began to dim, giving a calm and peaceful atmosphere. The river water flowed gently, reflecting the white clouds that were marching in the blue sky. The sound of children playing in the distance adds to the familiarity in the air.

Ima and Raka sat side by side on the green grass by the river. A silence surrounded them for a while, until Ima finally broke the silence, "Why have you never told me about your relationship with my mother?"

Raka took a deep breath, then looked at Ima with shady eyes. "I'm afraid it will change your view of me" he replied gently.

Ima drew closer, wanting to hear every word that came out of Raka's mouth. "I just want to know the truth, Raka."

Raka stared at the sparkling river water. "Then, Ana, Lina, and I were best friends. We spent a lot of time together, playing, laughing, sometimes even crying together" she began to tell stories.

They were silent for a moment as a group of children approached the riverbank, releasing the paper boat into the water. The children's sparkles remind Raka and Ima of their joyful childhood.

"Ana and I have a special relationship" Raka continued, her eyes looking distant, as if immersed in memories. "The two of us used to come here, right in this place, make a paper boat and race to release it."

Ima felt warmth in Raka's words. "Then what happened?"

Raka gulped, looking heavy opening old wounds. "We both fell in love. But there was something that separated us, something so deep that our relationship fractured. Ana decided to move away from my life, and I. I can only accept her decision."

The look on Ima's face changed, from curiosity to sympathy. "Why didn't you ever tell me? I deserve to know, don't I?"

Raka nodded, her eyes glazed over. "I wanted to tell you, but I was scared. Afraid you'll hate me for my past with your mother."

Ima took Raka's hand and grasped it tightly. "Raka, the past is the past. What matters is how we deal with the future."

Raka looked at Ima with hope. "Are you sure you can accept all this? That I ever had a relationship with your mother?"

Ima smiled, "As Aunt Lina said, in life we need patience to see things grow and develop. Maybe it's time we both look ahead and let the past remain the past."

The two again enjoy the view of the river with children playing around it. Amidst the warmth of the twilight sun, their hearts find peace, accept reality and prepare for a brighter future.

That afternoon, the sky turned into a palette of orange and pink colors, creating a dramatic atmosphere. A gentle breeze blew, carrying the scent of fresh soil and leaves. Ima and Raka are on the balcony of the Ima house, a place that provides a beautiful view of the city with lights that start to flash.

"Ima," Raka began, her voice trembling, "There's something you need to know. Something even Ana may have never told you."

Ima turned her head, her eyes looking intently into Raka's eyes, trying to find what was implied behind those two eyeballs. "What is that, Raka?"

Raka took a deep breath, then said in a low voice, "For your safety, you should stay away from Ana."

Ima was surprised, her body stiffened. "Why do you say such a thing? She's my mom!"

Raka lowered her head, her fingers playing with the chain of phoenix necklaces she always wore. "There's danger lurking in your family, Ima. I just want to protect you."

Ima looked confused and upset. "So, is this all about the past of the two of you? What are you hiding from me?"

Raka bit her lips, seemingly struggling with her emotions. "I wish I didn't have to tell you this. But I'm scared, Ima. I'm afraid history will repeat itself and you'll be a victim."

Ima's eyes were red, hands were trembling. "Tell me, Raka. What exactly happened between you and my mom?"

Ima seemed to be struck by the confession. However, behind the shock and amazement, he felt increasingly convinced of the truth of his heart. "Raka, Ana is my mother. I won't stay away from her just because of your past. I deserve to know more and have the right to make a decision for myself."

Raka nodded heavily. "I understand, Ima. But be careful."

That night, Ima decides to cook a special dinner for Ana. The kitchen is full of appetizing cooking aromas, from grilled chicken to thick tomato sauce. Every detail of the cuisine is an expression of Ima's love for her mother.

When Ana comes home, the aroma of cooking welcomes her at the door. "What's this?" ask with a big smile.

"A special dinner for my dear mother" replied Ima as she kissed Ana's cheek.

They sat side by side, enjoying dinner in a warm atmosphere. Even so, there was something stuck in Ima's heart. That afternoon's meeting with Raka, his warning, was all raging in his mind.

However, for now, Ima decided to enjoy the precious moments with her mother. For him, love and trust are everything.

Moonlight gushed through the window of Ima's room, illuminating her slightly pale-looking face. That night, his mind was filled with questions and confusion. Why is Raka so worried? What exactly happened in the past between Raka and Ana?

Ima got out of her bed and walked towards the family room. There, he found Ana, who looked pensive, sitting on the sofa with a dim light. Ana's movements showed fatigue, but her brown eyes still shone with strength and firmness.

With a slow step, Ima approached and sat down next to Ana. "Mother," she said in a soft voice, "There's something I want to ask."

Ana turned her head, her face showing curiosity but also worry. "What's up, baby?"

Ima took a deep breath, looking for the right words. "I met with Raka a few days ago. Her... He warned me to stay away from you."

The look on Ana's face changed in an instant, from curiosity to fear. "Why did he tell you that?"

"Actually I don't know for sure. But he says there's a danger lurking in our family. Do you know what Raka means?"

Ana was silent for a moment, her hand clasping Ima's hand tightly. "Before, when we were young, there was an incident that almost took my life. Raka was involved. Maybe he felt guilty until now."

Ima looked at Ana with teary eyes. "But mom, why didn't you ever tell me this? I deserve to know."

Ana hugged Ima tightly. "I know, honey. But I'm scared. Afraid you'd hate Raka or even hate me."

Ima let go of her embrace and looked at Ana with warmth. "Never, Mother. To me, you are everything."

The two of them then decided to calm down by watching an old family movie. The projector is turned on, and images from the past appear on the screen. They laugh at the hilarious moments from Ima's childhood, cry at the haru moments, and recall how wonderful family togetherness was.

In the silence of the night, with the sound of the old film spinning, the two felt an irreplaceable warmth. Although the past carries wounds and mysteries, the power of family love is always able to heal all wounds.

Ima looked at Ana with shining eyes, "Thank you, Mother. Because it's always there for me, no matter what happens."

Ana smiled, tears of happiness flowing down her cheeks. "I'll always be there for you, baby. Always."

That night, despite the many secrets and wounds that had not been fully healed, the hearts of both were filled with love and understanding. They know that, together, they can face whatever comes their way.