My Mother is a Transvestite

Neighborly Goodness

The village where Ana lived was always filled with the hustle and bustle of children playing and joyous voices. Although many houses are old, but a sense of togetherness among its citizens is always typical. The walkways are surrounded by colorful wildflowers that grow by the roadside, creating a peaceful and warm atmosphere.

That morning, when Ana opened her door, she was shocked to find a basket of fresh fruits and vegetables in front of her house with a message: "For Ana and her children, she said, may Ima recover quickly - Miss Marni."

A moment later, the mothers of RT came to change, bringing food, medicine, or just giving spirit. Their faces showed deep concern, although most only knew Ana on the surface.

One of them is Ms. Lina, a woman in her 60s with gray hair and wrinkles on her face that signal a life experience. He came with a bag full of drugs.

"Ana," he said in a hoarse yet gentle voice, "this is some medicine that Ima might need. I know maybe it's not much, but hopefully it helps."

Ana looked at Bu Lina with teary eyes, "Thank you very much, Miss Lina. I don't know how to repay all this kindness."

Bu Lina smiled, holding Ana's hand tightly. "You know, Ana," he said, taking a deep breath, "before, when my son was a child, he was also once as seriously ill as Ima. I also have no money, but the neighbors here have helped me through those difficult times."

Ana sat down, listening attentively. The slow movements of Bu Lina's body and the emotional look on her face showed how deep she felt when she told the story.

Ms. Lina continued, "At that moment, I felt desperate. But, the neighbors here, although they also did not have much, gave what they could give. They taught me about the power of solidarity and gotong royong."

For a moment, the two fell silent, permeating the meaning of Bu Lina's words. Silence only accompanied by the sound of leaves that vibrated in the wind.

Ms. Lina looked into Ana's eyes, "So, never feel alone, Ana. You have a lot of people here who care. Ima will definitely recover soon with the support of all of us."

Ana lowered her head, holding back the sobs that were rolling on her cheeks. "Thank you, Mom. Thanks for everything."

The two hugged each other, giving each other warmth and spirit. The quiet and peaceful atmosphere of the village, combined with the kindness of its citizens, taught Ana that although life is full of obstacles, there is a power in togetherness and mutual cooperation that can overcome everything.

The night had arrived, with the sky sprinkled with stars and a crescent moon emitting a gentle light. The sounds of crickets and frogs filled the quiet silence of the village. However, at Ana's house, there is tension that cuts through the silence.

Ana sits at a small table in her room, surrounded by old pictures of her family. With tears in her eyes, she held one of the photos that showed her with her dead husband. Moonlight entered the window, highlighting Ana's pale and listless face.

Joseph, who was examining Ima in the next room, felt something was wrong. She approached her mother's room, "Mother, what are you thinking?"

Ana flinched, wiping her tears quickly. "Oh, it's okay, Yus. I'm just a little tired."

Joseph sat beside him, looking at the scattered photos. "Old memories?" tanyanya slow.

Ana nodded, "Yes, the times when things feel easier, happier. I miss your father, Yus."

Joseph held his mother's hand, "Me too, Mother. But we have to be strong, for Ima, for all of us."

There was a moment of silence. Later, Ana starts a conversation, "Do you, Yus, when we face a difficult time like this, these wonderful memories give me strength. They remind me of how much love and happiness we've ever had."

He took another photo showing Ana, Joseph, and the infant Ima. "Look at this, when Ima was just born. At that time, we were all so happy. We have big hopes and dreams for her."

Joseph looked at the photo with teary eyes, "I remember, Mother. We promised to always take care of him, give him our best."

The two of them hugged tightly, seeking strength in memories and hope. Ana whispered, "We must keep hoping and believing. We have to teach Ima to keep fighting, no matter how hard things get."

Joseph looked at his mother, "I'm sure, Mother, with each other's support and our trust in God, we'll get through this. Your mother will be healed."

Ana nodded, returning Joseph's gaze with a hopeful smile. "We have to keep fighting, for Ima, for all of us."

That afternoon, the rain flushed the village gently, leaving a refreshing smell of wet soil. In the waiting room of the health center, Ana anxiously awaits the results of a doctor's consultation about the condition of Ima. As the drops of water fell outside, Ana's heart pounded waiting for news.

The door to the doctor's office finally opened. "Mrs Ana, please come in" call Dr. Rizal, the doctor who handled Ima. Ana stood up quickly, her steps slightly hesitating. When he came in, Dr. Rizal pointed to the chair in front of his desk. "Please sit down, Mom."

Ana took a deep breath, "How's Ima doing, Doc?"

Dr. Rizal took Ima's medical file, "The condition is stable, but there are some tests and treatments we have to do to ensure her recovery."

Ana lowered her head, feeling the weight of the impending financial burden. "How much does it cost, Doc?"

Dr. Rizal looked at Ana with an empathetic look, "I understand your concern, Ms. Ana. So I've talked to the health care management, and we're willing to give discounts on some of the tests and treatments that Ima needs."

Ana looked at Dr. Rizal with teary eyes, "Really, Doc? Oh, thank you so much!" His hands trembled as he covered his mouth, trying to hold back the taste of haru.

Dr. Rizal smiled warmly, "I just want to help, Mom. I know how hard it is for you."

Ana wiped away the tears that began to flow, "This really means a lot to us, Doc."

When she returned, Ana, with eyes still in red, hugged Joseph and Ima tightly. "There's good news" he said with a trembling voice.

Joseph looked at his mother with hope, "What is it, Mother?"

"Dr. Rizal gave us a discount on Ima's treatment," Ana replied, her voice filled with hope.

Ima, who looked weak, smiled widely. "Thank God" he murmured softly.

That night, they gathered in the living room, with candlelight reflecting their shadows on the wall. A bottle of warm milk and a few slices of bread became their meal. Joseph began to tell the story of a king who was always optimistic despite many trials. Ana goes on to tell the story of a bird that kept trying to fly despite its broken wings.

The family conversation was filled with mild laughter and heartwarming inspirational stories. They prayed together, asking for healing for Ima and patience to face the trials that exist.

As the night wore on, Ana rubbed Joseph and Ima's heads gently. "You are my strength" he whispered.

Joseph hugged his mother, "And you are our inspiration, Mother."

In the darkness of the night, their little home shines with love and hope, giving them the strength to face a challenging tomorrow.