My Mother is a Transvestite
Picnic Preparation
The morning sun had just emitted its gentle radiance, piercing through the cracks of the window of Ana's kitchen. That golden yellow glow highlighted a kitchen table full of food ingredients: fresh vegetables, colorful fruits, and cuts of meat. On one hand, a large pot is ready to use, while on the other, a basket of bread and jam is waiting to be prepared.
Ana, with her favorite blue apron, seemed busy slicing carrots. His long hair was neatly tied, yet there were a few strands of hair hanging on his forehead due to the quick movement of his hands. His brows were slightly wrinkled, focusing on every slice he made.
"Mom, how about I help you cook an omelet?" haggling Joseph doubtfully, his eyes shone with excitement. He stood in the kitchen doorway with his hands behind his back, looking rather awkward.
Ana turned her head, her eyes sparkling to see her adopted son taking the initiative. Her sweet smile radiated, "Sure, dear. But remember, be careful with the stove."
Yusuf nodded vigorously, "Well, Mom." He approached the stove, picked up a frying pan and began to break the eggs into the bowl.
Meanwhile, Ima, with the map in her hand, sat in the living room. The large window in the room was wide open, letting the morning fresh air along with the scent of wet soil in, creating a refreshing atmosphere. The sound of birds chirping merrily, adding to the peaceful impression in the morning.
"Mother," exclaimed Ima, "What do you think of a picnic in the Lonely Garden? He said there's a small lake there, and we can rent a boat."
Ana took a deep breath, enjoying the scent of an omelet that started to waft out from the pan. "Silent Park? I heard the place is beautiful. Does Joseph agree?"
With an awkward gesture, Yusuf fried the egg, avoiding the splash of the bouncing oil. "I heard there were a lot of ducks in that lake. We can feed them" he replied with a smile.
"Okay, looks like we have a plan!" ima exclaimed cheerfully, folding the map and running to the room to prepare a picnic bag.
As a mother, Ana always paid attention to detail. He could see how Joseph was a little nervous while cooking, his right hand trembling slightly as he stirred the eggs in the pan. While Ima, though always visibly excited, her eyes occasionally show concern - perhaps worried about the weather not being supportive or items that need to be forgotten.
"Mother, is this omelet ripe?" joseph asked, showing his vow to Ana.
Ana approaches and checks the omelet in the pan, "Almost ripe, dear. But it might need to be fried in a minute. Let's make it better." He patted Joseph's back gently.
In silence, the three work together to prepare all the needs of the picnic. There was a vibe of happiness that filled the room, although it was decorated with small mistakes such as a slightly charred egg or forgetting to put jam into a bag.
However, behind all the busyness, there is a warmth that envelops the heart of every family member. They are not a biological family, but the bonds of love and trust they build are much stronger than just blood.
This little family seemed happy in their car. The sky blue car drove at a moderate speed, down the winding road with views of the forest and mountains in the distance. Sunlight penetrates the cracks of the foliage, creating beautiful light patterns on the asphalt.
"How about we sing the song 'On the Mountain'?" ima's proposal from the back seat, her eyes twinkling. The little girl picked up her little guitar and started strumming the early notes of the song.
Yusuf, sitting next to him, immediately recognized the song and began to sing the lyrics with his heavy bass voice. While Ana, with her sweet voice, followed the strains of the song, complementing the harmony of this family.
For a moment, the car was filled with the sounds of singing and laughter. The air inside the car was warm and loving.
After singing the song, Ana starts to tell stories. "You know, when I was a kid, we used to picnic by the river. The place is simple, there are only mats and supplies from home. But, those moments have always been my fondest memories."
Ima looked at Ana with eyes that shone full of curiosity. "How is the atmosphere of the river, Mother?"
Ana smiled in memory, "The water is clear, glittering in the sun. There were large stones on the river where we were sitting. Sometimes, we play with water or just hear the quiet rustling of water."
Joseph, curiously, asked, "Mother ever fished there?"
For a moment, their car passed a small bridge over the river that reminded Ana of her memories. "Look! This river is similar to the one I told you about" he said, pointing out a window.
They slowed down, enjoying the view of the river. The river water was clear with rocks visible from the surface. On the other hand, small birds appear to play among the lush branches of the tree.
They continued their journey in a bright mood. At one point, Ana looked at Yusuf and Ima through the rearview mirror, her face serious but loving. Quietly, he hoped that these children would have such fond memories as he had in his childhood.
Ima, noticing Ana's gaze, blinked her one eye while smiling. Joseph, laughing lightly, said, "We will definitely have many wonderful memories today, Mother."
Ana smiled broadly, "I'm sure of that."
Eagerly, they continued on the journey, waiting for the adventure they would encounter at the picnic site.
As soon as the car stopped, the scent of nature instantly absorbed their sense of smell. Fresh air, a mixture of earth scents, foliage, and wildflowers create a soothing atmosphere. In the distance, a vast meadow spread out, surrounded by towering trees. The gurgling sound of water from the small river sounded soft, adding to the coolness of the atmosphere.
Joseph immediately took the ball from the trunk. "Come, Mom! Play ball throwing!" he shouted while throwing a ball towards Ima who was nimbly catching him.
Ima, with her trademark smile, threw the ball back at Joseph. "You won't be able to catch him!" his challenge.
Ana laughed at the joy of her two children. He sat on a mat that was already spread out on the grass, enjoying the warm sunlight.
Suddenly, a light blue butterfly with a unique pattern on its wings floated near Ima. His eyes grew, "Well! The butterfly!" he shouted enthusiastically.
Leaving the ball, Ima started chasing after the butterfly cheerfully. His hands were stretched out, trying to catch the butterfly that was flying agilely. His long hair was fluttering in the wind, his face was radiant with happiness.
Meanwhile, Joseph took a sketchbook and pencil from his bag. He sat under a large tree, eyes looking at the scene in front of him. Carefully, he began to draw a vast meadow, trees that stood firm, and the silhouette of mountains in the distance. Each stroke of his pencil reflected admiration for the beauty of nature.
"Before, when Mother was little," Ana began to tell me, "I often draw scenes like this. Honey, I'm not as talented as Joseph."
Joseph looked, smiling in shame. "Ah, Mommy must be better. Maybe one day we can draw together."
Ana nodded, "That's a good idea."
As the sun grew higher, the shadows of the trees shortened. The sound of happy birds was heard from the distance. Amidst the silence, there was only the sound of laughter and the warm conversation of this family.
After being satisfied chasing the butterfly, Ima returned with a breath of breath. He sat next to Ana, "Mom, I almost caught him, but he flew up into the tree and I couldn't reach him."
Ana stroked Ima's hair, "That's okay, honey. The important thing is that you enjoy the chase."
From her seat, Ana can see all the activities of her children. He could see how Ima laughed cheerfully, her face flushed red from the scorching sun. While Joseph, with his forehead wrinkled and lips slightly opened, fully focused on his image.
There was a warm feeling that enveloped Ana's heart. Seeing that Joseph and Ima were so happy, he felt lucky and grateful to have them in his life. Despite the many obstacles they face, moments like these are always a reminder to Ana of what really matters in life: love, togetherness, and happiness with family.
