My Mother is a Transvestite

Flavour Phrases

The sky was cloudy that afternoon, similar to the expression on Joseph's face. He walked with heavy strides towards the garden, his already somewhat shabby shoes throwing off the dry leaves lying on the path. The noisy sound of the birds chirping gave the impression of contrasting with the feeling of his heart being drowned in confusion.

When he approached a bench in the park, the sound of conversation between two people was able to hear clearly. Raka, with her sturdy posture, stood beside Ima who seemed to be surprised by her conversation. Ima bit her lower lip, a sign of anxiety.

"Are you sure, Raka?" Ima asked with her soft yet suspicious voice.

Raka let out a long sigh, "I think you deserve to know, Ima. But remember, this isn't my secret to tell."

A cool breeze blew slowly, shaking the leaves above them. Ima's long hair moves in the direction of the blow, adding dramatization to the atmosphere. Raka, with a face full of seriousness, looked at Ima.

"It is..." Raka hesitated, looking for the right words, "not as you think."

Before Ima could ask any further, the sound of the crying of the little boy distracted them. A five-year-old boy with a pale face looked at the ice cream that had just fallen from his hand, then he looked at his two hands filled with colorful sweet liquid. His eyes started to glaze over, his cheeks were red, and his lower lips were shaking.

Without thinking, Joseph approached the little boy. "Hey, don't cry. We can buy a new one" he said softly.

The little boy raised his face, looking at Joseph with hopeful eyes. "Really, Brother?"

Joseph smiled, showing a fine frown at the corner of his eye. "certain." He reached out, showing the way to the ice cream vendor who was standing not far from them.

Raka and Ima, who had witnessed Joseph's actions, looked at each other. Ima quickly understood that Joseph had heard their talk. His face was pale, in contrast to the twilight sky that was now starting to be pink.

"Maybe we should talk," Ima said in a heavy tone.

Raka nodded. "Maybe it's time for me to go."

With a doubtful step, Ima approached Yusuf who was now sitting on the bench with the little boy, both of whom were engrossed in ice cream.

Joseph looked at Ima, his eyes full of questions. "Why didn't you tell me?"

Ima lowered her head, "I'm scared."

The two of them were silent, only the gurgling sound of water from the small pond in the garden could be heard, giving a natural musical setting to the heavy moment. After what felt like an hour, Joseph finally spoke.

"We're going through it together, Ima."

Ima smiled weakly, "Thank you, Yusuf."

The morning cold sank every inch of Joseph's skin as he walked briskly across the city streets. Old buildings with colonial architecture stand grandly, creating a long shadow over the cobbled streets. In the distance, the smoke from the coffee brewed in the roadside stalls rose, fusing with the thin fog that drifted over.

Joseph clenched his hands in his jacket pocket, his jaws hardened, and his eyes lit up with tension. His mind was filled with confusion and anger over what he had just heard from Raka.

A grandmother with tangled white hair and wrinkled skin crossed her path. He walked very slowly, using a wooden stick that seemed to have accompanied him for a long time. Joseph, who was deep in thought, almost stepped through it, but then saw the hardship his grandmother was going through.

Without thinking twice, he approached the grandmother and said, "Mother, let me help you cross."

The grandmother looked at Joseph with eyes glittering with cataracts, yet full of warmth. "Thank you, son," he said in a raucous voice.

Joseph offered his arm and carefully helped the grandmother across. In the middle of the road, with traffic still quiet in the morning, they walked slowly, as if time had stopped for them.

After successfully crossing the street, the grandmother smiled, "Thank you, Young man. May God bless you."

Joseph smiled lightly. "Together, Mother. Be careful on the road."

While walking, Joseph decided to confront Raka. He must know the real reason Raka revealed the secret. After a few minutes, he arrived at Raka's favorite cafe, a cozy place with wooden chairs and an always inviting aroma of coffee.

Raka sat in the corner, sipping her hot coffee. As Yusuf approached, Raka looked at him with a mixed expression of shock and regret.

"Why did you do it?" Joseph looked at Raka sharply, sitting opposite him.

Raka took a deep breath, "I think Ima deserves to know. But maybe I'm wrong."

Joseph hit the table with his palm, making Raka's cup sway. "You have no rights, Raka. That's not your story to tell!"

Raka looked at Joseph, their eyes met, full of emotion. "I know" his voice broke. "I'm sorry."

Joseph looked at Raka, his eyes reddened. There is a deep disappointment that is difficult to explain. After a few seconds, Joseph said, "I need time to think about all this."

With a heavy heart, Yusuf left the cafe, leaving Raka visibly drowned in regret. However, Joseph's steps are now a little lighter, realizing that facing the problem is the first step to solving it.

The air in the house feels different. It was usually filled with laughter and warm conversation, yet it was now silent, as if every corner of the house was holding its breath. The sunlight that usually flooded the living room now appeared dim, filtered by the tightly closed curtains. The sound of the seconds of the wall clock sounded so clear, breaking the silence.

Joseph sat in the corner of his room, staring out the window with a blank look. City buildings stood looming, creating a shadow on the streets, similar to the shadow of the past that now haunted his mind.

From the kitchen, the scent of Joseph's favorite food began to spread. Ima, in hopes of easing tensions, cooked Joseph's favorite meal as a sign of peace.

Ima walked slowly to Joseph's room, carrying a plate containing the food. "Joseph?" he said hesitantly, knocking on his sister's room door.

There's no answer.

Carefully, Ima opened the door and entered the room. "I made you your favorite meal" he said, showing the plate he was carrying.

Joseph looked, his eyes tired. However, he said nothing, only looking at the food indifferently.

Ima sat next to him, putting a plate on the table next to the bed. "I know you're angry" he said in a soft voice, "but we are family. We need to talk."

Joseph took a breath. "I'm not mad at you, Ima. I'm just. confused. Why didn't Ana tell me? Why must it be from Raka's mouth?"

Ima bit her lower lip, looking for the right words. "Maybe Ana has her own reasons. It's not an easy thing to talk about, let alone with her own children."

For a moment, the room went back to silence. Only the splashing sound of water from the small aquarium in the corner of the room was heard.

Joseph finally spoke, "I feel betrayed."

Ima put her hand on Joseph's hand, trying to provide comfort. "We all have secrets, Yus. What matters is how we live today and tomorrow, not what happened in the past."

They both fell silent, absorbing Ima's words.

With hesitation, Ima said, "Let's play our favorite board game. Maybe you can take your mind off for a moment."

Joseph nodded slowly. "Not now, Ima."

Ima sighed, "Alright. But remember, I'm always here for you."

Slowly, Ima left Joseph's room, leaving him with a troubled mind. Yet, behind his grief, Joseph knew one thing: despite the tension, their families stayed together, supporting each other. And that is a truth that no secret can change.