My Mother is a Transvestite

The Introduction to Sleep Song

Outside, the night grew darker, enveloping the world with stars that shimmered in the sky. The rustling of the wind blew through the cracks of the attic windows, carrying the scent of lavender flowers that thrived in the backyard of the house. The moonlight reflects its light through the attic window, creating a magical and serene feel.

Joseph turned to Ana, his eyes glazed over. "Mom, I remember something. Every time I have trouble sleeping, there's a song you always sing. What's that song?"

Ana, with nostalgic eyes, replied, "Ah, that song. The song that always makes you sleep in my arms." He took a deep breath, as if trying to remember every word and tone of the song.

In a soft voice, Joseph asked, "Can you sing it again, Mom?"

Ana nodded slowly. Then, in a hoarse voice full of emotion, he began to sing the song. Her melodious voice filled the entire room, bringing the two into the past. The song's lyrics talk about a mother's affection for her child, about the dreams and hopes she has for her child's future.

As the song went on, Joseph began to join in, singing the lyrics he remembered. The voices of the two of them fused perfectly, creating a harmony that filled the attic.

"Mom, why did you choose that song as my lullaby?" joseph asked after they had finished singing.

Ana smiled, "The song reminds me of how precious each moment we spend together is. The lyrics describe my feelings, my hopes, and my dreams for you. And, somehow, that song always manages to keep you calm and soundly asleep."

Joseph clasped Ana's hand tightly, "Thank you, Mom. That song, and yours, always makes me feel safe and loved."

The two of them sat together, enjoying the peace of the night accompanied by the sound of crickets from outside. Joseph supported his head on Ana's shoulder, while Ana hugged Joseph tightly, feeling every beat of his son's heart.

In the silence, Ana whispered something in Joseph's ear, "You know, Joseph, that song is not only to bring you to sleep, but also to remind me how lucky I am to have you."

Joseph smiled, "And I'm lucky to have you, ma'am."

In the warmth of the moonlight, amidst the scent of lavender flowers, and accompanied by the strains of lullabies, a mother and her child share infinite memories and affections.

As the night wore on, Ana and Joseph were still sitting in the attic, surrounded by memories hidden in old boxes. The drizzle began to fall outside, beautifying the night with seconds of water that sowed gently over the precarious.

Ana lifted the chariot that Joseph had found and gently stroked it. "Do you, Joseph, have a special story behind this chariot toy."

Joseph, with burning curiosity, asked, "What story is that, Mom?"

Ana took a deep breath, preparing herself to reminisce. "Before you were born, I had a close friend, his name was Mr. Arif. He was a train driver. When I told him that I was going to adopt a child, he gave me this chariot toy as a gift."

Joseph's eyes sparkled, "So, this toy is a gift from Mr Arif?"

Ana nodded, "Right. But there's a promise he made with this toy." He sighed for a moment, then continued, "He promised, when you're big enough, he'll take you around the city in a real train."

Joseph looked at Ana with enlarged eyes, "Why did I never know about this, Mom?"

Ana smiled sadly, "Because a few years after you were born, Mr. Arif had to move to another city. We lost contact. But, I always remember that promise and hope that one day it can come true."

Staring at the chariot toy in Ana's hand, Joseph asked, "Do you miss Mr. Arif, Mom?"

With a melancholy expression, Ana replied, "Very. He was a good friend, always supporting me and believing in me. She was also very excited when she knew I was going to be a mother."

Tears began to drip on Joseph's cheeks. "I wish I could meet him, hear a story about a train from a real machinist."

For a moment, the two of them enjoyed the silence of the night, only adorned with the splashing sounds of rain outside. The atmosphere of the attic became warm with their togetherness, with the attic lights getting dimmer and the smell of wet soil that began to smell.

Joseph, with teary eyes, said, "Thank you, Mom, for telling me this. I feel so loved, not only by you, but also by the people around you."

Ana rubbed Joseph's head, "You deserve to be loved, Yus. You are a blessing in my life."

In the arms of his warm mother, Joseph felt safe and loved, realizing that love could come from many sources, even though they were not a biological family.

That morning, the light of the sun gently shone on Joseph's room, signaling the beginning of a bright day. The birds chirped merrily, welcoming the morning with natural songs. A smell of coffee and a warm breakfast began to spread throughout the house.

Joseph, who was still yawning and rubbing his eyes, went down into the kitchen and found Ana who looked busy with something at the dinner table. "Good morning, ma'am," said Yusuf, yawning.

Ana turned her head with a mysterious smile on her lips, "Good morning, Yus. Ready for an adventure today?"

Joseph blinked his eyes puzzled, "What adventure, Mom?"

Without answering, Ana gave Joseph a ticket. Joseph picked it up and read it with his eyes half closed, "Chariot ticket?" he said with a frown.

Ana smiled broadly, "Remember Mr Arif's old promise? Even though he can't accompany us, we can still make it happen together."

Joseph's eyes grew, filled with joy. "Are we really going around town by train today, ma'am?"

Ana nodded, "Right! Ready for adventure?"

With great zeal, Joseph said, "Of course you are ready!"

The two of them got ready and headed straight for the train station. At the station, crowds of people passed by, with the aroma of coffee and toast teasing the sense of smell. Ana and Yusuf boarded the train carriage, sitting at the window enjoying the view of the rapidly passing city.

"Mom, look! There's a big playground there!" joseph said, pointing out the window.

Ana laughed, "You want to play there later?"

Yusuf nodded excitedly, "Oh, of course!"

Along the way, the two share stories, laughter, and happiness. They visit interesting places in the city, from playgrounds, museums, to traditional markets. In every place, they create beautiful new memories.

When the sun began to sink, they sat by the river, enjoying the beautiful twilight while eating ice cream. "Mom, today is the best day of my life" Joseph said with sparkling eyes.

Ana hugged Joseph tightly, "For me too, Yus. I'm glad we made this old promise together."

The two of them returned home with hearts filled with gratitude and happiness. Although Father Arif was not with them, his memories and promises lived on in the hearts of Ana and Joseph.

With happy steps, they enter the house, closing the day with fond memories that they will always remember forever.