My Mother is a Transvestite

Conversation with Ana

A gentle breeze blew through the open window, shaking the pastel-colored curtains that adorned the living room. Outside, the trees swayed merrily, creating dynamic shadows on the shiny parquet floor. The twilight sun light penetrated the room, giving a warm aura that contrasted with the now gripping mood.

In the middle of the room, a large television set displayed the afternoon news. However, the sound of the television was almost inaudible as attention was completely drawn to the two figures sitting on the sofa facing each other.

Ana, with her long gray hair, looked at Joseph anxiously. His expression was a mixture of worry and sadness. Meanwhile, Joseph, with a serious look on his face, took a deep breath, seeking the courage to start a conversation.

"Ana" said Joseph in a slightly trembling voice, "what did Raka tell me, is that true?"

Ana lowered her head, took a deep breath, and then looked back at Joseph. His eyes were wet, "Yusuf, I want you to know from my mouth, not from anyone else."

Joseph clenched his lips, struggling to hold back the roaring emotions. "Then why didn't you tell me? Do I not deserve to know?"

Ana grabs Joseph's hand, trying to calm him down with her gentle touch. "Of course you deserve to know. But this is not about rights. It's about protecting you. Protecting you from truths you may find hard to accept."

On television, a reporter talked about a man who had just saved a child from a huge fire. The image of the man, in a dull, ash-stained shirt, was played over and over again hugging the frightened child.

Yusuf turned to the television, his eyes fixed on the brave man. "Look at that, Ana. That guy's got a past, maybe a hard past. But what he did today, his heroic act, that's what people remember."

Ana nodded slowly. "You are right, Joseph. Everyone has a past. But I'm afraid, I'm afraid my past will change the way you look at me."

Joseph pondered for a moment, then said, "You always taught me to be honest, to be honest. Why don't you do it yourself?"

Ana sighed, looking for the right words. "When a mother sees her children, she just wants the best for them. I'm afraid, if you know the truth, it'll bring a wound. I want to protect you."

Joseph looked at Ana with reddened eyes. "But we're a family, Ana. We should trust each other."

Ana wiped away the tears that started to flow down her cheeks. "I'm sorry, Yusuf. I should have told you."

The two hugged each other, seeking comfort in each other's arms. The television in the background kept on rolling the news about the brave man, reminding them that everyone has a story, and what matters most is how they choose to live in the present.

The rain began to fall with a drizzle, adding to the gray atmosphere that had filled the house. A drop after a drop of water soaks the earth, giving life to plants in the yard and creating a distinctive soil scent. Thick clouds covered the sunlight, refracting a hint of sadness felt in the air.

From inside the house, the splashing sound of rain becomes the background for the mood of Ima. He sat on the sofa, hugging the pillow tightly, as if looking for a warm hug from his family. His face looked glum, his eyes staring far out the window, looking at the raindrops falling from the sky.

Joseph, who was standing in the living room doorway, looked at his sister with concern. "Ima," he said in a soft voice, approaching his sister.

Ima turned her head, her swollen eyes showing how many tears she had shed. "Yusuf," he whispered.

Joseph sat beside Ima, holding her cold hand. "What do you feel, Dek?" ask her gently.

Ima took a deep breath, trying to gather the words raging in her heart. "I feel stuck, brother. Between you and Ana. I don't know whose side to side with."

Joseph looked at Ima with guilt. "I'm sorry, Ima. I didn't mean to make you feel this way."

Ima shakes. "It's not your fault, brother. I just. I just want our family to be like it used to be. No secrets, no sadness."

From outside the window, there was the sound of a cat whining quietly. The two turned their heads, watching as a female cat with gray fur was protecting her newborn cubs from the rain under the bushes.

Joseph nodded, his eyes fixed on the cat. "So does Ana, Ima. He just wants to protect us. Maybe he's wrong, but his intentions must be good."

Ima looked at Joseph, seeking the truth in his brother's eyes. "I know, Brother. But I want us all to be open to each other. No secrets, no fears."

Joseph pulled Ima into his arms, trying to provide comfort. "We're gonna get through this, Ima. Together."

Ima wept in Joseph's arms, letting all her feelings out. "Thank you, Brother."

The two of them sat down together, watching the rain grow heavier. A cat and her cubs, who have now taken refuge under a roof, remind them of the power of affection in the family.

After the rain had subsided, and the sky had begun to clear, Ima and Joseph stood up, holding hands, vowing to always support each other, no matter what.

A bright morning greeted them, radiating warm and joyous sunshine. The sound of water gurgling in the garden pond presents a calm atmosphere, inviting to contemplate for a moment. Ima and Joseph stood on the porch of the house, staring at each other with meaningful expressions.

Joseph opened his mouth the first time, his voice soft and full of regret. "Ima, I want to apologize. I know I've been too hard on you, and that's not fair."

Ima smiled gently, nodding in understanding. "Thank you, Brother. I also want to apologize if I worry you."

Joseph approached his brother, hugging him tightly. They felt the warmth of the family they had longed for. "We are brothers, Ima. Nothing can change that."

Ima smiled, her sparkling tears showed her sense of relief. "I know, Brother."

They let go of hugs and walked together towards the park. Neighboring children were playing cheerfully, laughing and running around carelessly. The atmosphere was contagious, and Joseph and Ima smiled as they saw them.

Ima pointed towards the children. "Look at them, brother. They are happy because they do not think about the past or the future. They're just living right now."

Joseph nodded in agreement. "We can learn a lot from those kids, Ima. We can't change the past, but we can choose to be happy in the present."

Ima looked at Joseph with appreciation. "You're right, brother. And about Ana..."

Joseph nodded, showing that he was ready to listen.

Ima continued, "We have to support Ana. Whatever happened in the past, she is our mother who loves us sincerely."

Joseph nodded once more. "I will try to understand and accept Ana's past, Ima. We all have a past that may not be perfect."

The two of them sat by the garden pool, pondering the words they had shared. The sound of birds chirping in the trees and the gentle gusts of wind created a peaceful atmosphere around them.

Suddenly, the neighborhood children came running around, inviting Ima and Joseph to join in their game. Without a doubt, they came playing, laughing, and running around like children. They forget for a moment all their family problems and secrets.

As the sun began to humble itself in the sky, the two of them sat on the grass, watching the sky turn orange and pink. Joseph embraced Ima, and they felt the peace they had long sought in their reunited families.

Nothing can change the past, but they have chosen to embrace happiness in the present. In a quiet garden, they rediscover the true meaning of family: support, love, and the ability to forgive each other. And among them, the children of their neighbors play, reminding them that happiness is always there, if we just want to see it.