My Mother is a Transvestite

The Unexpected Arrival

A gentle breeze blew outside the house, moving the leaves of the rambutan tree in the backyard with a soothing rhythm. The twilight sky features a gradation of orange and purple colors, creating a beautiful view of Ana's kitchen window. In the kitchen full of garlic and spices, Ana was busy preparing dinner.

Clean dishes have been arranged neatly on the dining table, waiting for dishes that will be ready soon. Ima, who was sitting in the living room, was busy reading her favorite book while occasionally glancing out the window, enjoying a game of twilight that bounced off the wet leaf surface due to the rain this afternoon.

Suddenly, a swift pace approached the front door of the house. The knock was heard three times, quite loud yet rhythmic. Ana, who was flipping a chicken in a skillet, jumped in shock. He turned off the stove and removed the greasy hands with a kitchen napkin.

Ima, with a curious look on her face, stood up and walked towards the door. "Mother, are there guests?" tanyanya peeked through the side window of the door.

Ana nodded, "Open the door, son."

With a slow motion, Ima opened the door. In the doorway stood a long black-haired woman tied to horses, with eyes full of story. She was wearing a blue blouse and a long black skirt. His face looked familiar, yet at the same time foreign to Ima.

"Lila?" Ana uttered the name with a voice full of surprise and haru.

Lila smiled gently, "Hi, Ana. It's been a long time."

The two of them hugged tightly, as if trying to catch up with the lag time that had long separated them. Ana's eyes glazed over, and Lila also seemed to hold back tears.

Yusuf, who had just descended from the stairs after finishing his studies, stopped in the middle of the living room with a puzzled expression. "Mother, who is she?" tanyanya while pointing towards Lila with her chin.

Ana let go of her embrace and patted Lila on the shoulder, "Yusuf, Ima, this is Lila, my old friend. We were together when we were in school."

Lila waved her hand in a friendly manner, "Hi, Yusuf. Hi, Ima. You guys are big."

Ima smiled shyly, "Hello, Aunt Lila. Sorry, I don't recognize you."

Lila laughed, "It's okay, honey. Last time I saw you, you were a baby."

While chatting, Ana invites Lila in and sits on the living room sofa. "What do you want to drink, Lil?" asked Ana while heading to the kitchen.

"A glass of warm tea only," Lila replied with a smile.

While Ana is busy in the kitchen, Yusuf and Ima sit next to Lila, starting a light conversation about school and their daily activities. Mimik Lila's face showed interest and happy to hear the story of the two children.

Not long after, Ana returns with a tray filled with tea glasses and chocolate-fried bananas. "I remember you like chocolate-fried bananas, Lil," Ana said with a smile.

Lila stared at the fried banana with sparkling eyes, "Oh, Ana, do you remember? Thank you." Thank you." He then bit the fried banana, and his facial expression looked very satisfied.

As the night wore on, their conversation deepened, discussing past memories and secrets that had been hidden. However, in the midst of the warmth, there was a sense of haru and sadness that felt, as if there was an old wound that reopened.

The nightly decrees had rolled over the city, leaving behind a dazzling full moon glow. The night sky with its stars seemed so bright, as if they were silent witnesses of past memories being shared. The candlelight placed on the terrace table adds to the warm and romantic atmosphere. The breeze of the night breathes out the scent of frangipani flowers growing in the corner of the garden, creating a reconciling atmosphere.

Lila and Ana were sitting opposite each other in a rattan chair, while a still-yawning cup of warm tea was in their hands. Lila sipped her tea slowly, then put it back on the table in a gentle motion. "Remember our time to go up the mountain without any preparation, bringing only bread and water?" ask her while smiling.

Ana laughed, "Oh, God! That's the worst idea we've ever had! We're both cold and hungry. Haha." His face looked red thinking about the mischief of his teenage years.

Lila pointed at Ana's nose, "And you, always thought you were the best mountain guide. We are almost lost."

Both giggle. Lila took a deep breath, enjoying the freshness of the night air. "But, Ana," he said in a more serious tone, "That time, when we were both sitting at the top, looking at the sunrise."

Ana nodded, her eyes glazed over. "I know, Lil. We've been through a lot together. And you know, in difficult times, when I feel the world is on my shoulders, you're always there for me."

Lila took Ana's hand and held it tightly. "And you to me, Ana. When the world seems so dark, when I feel like no one cares, you're always there. Being an empathetic friend, listening to my stories, comforting me with your silly jokes."

The two women sat in silence for a moment, letting those memories flow through their minds, permeating every second of the past they had lived together.

Meanwhile, inside the house, Ima sits at her desk, picking up a thread and some colored beads. He was busy making friendship bracelets for Lila. She wanted to give something special as a sign of gratitude for making her mother so happy that night.

"Joseph!" Ima called her sister. "Do you think Aunt Lila likes blue or green?"

Yusuf, who was busy playing games on his computer, turned his head. "Mmm, blue as it is. Looks like he likes a quiet color."

Ima nodded and started stringing the blue beads into her thread. Every now and then, he turned his head towards the window, looking at the silhouette of his mother and Lila who looked so familiar and warm under the moonlight.

When the bracelet was finished, Ima looked at it proudly. I hope Lila will like it.

Back on the terrace, Lila looked a little hesitant before asking, "Ana, have you ever felt lonely? Even if you have Joseph and Ima?"

Ana let out a long sigh, "Of course, sometimes. But the kids are always there for me, and they're everything to me."

Lila smiled, "I'm happy for you, Ana. You deserve this happiness."

Ana smiled back, "We all deserve it, Lil."

The two again drowned in memories and laughter, enjoying togetherness under the starry night sky.