My Mother is a Transvestite

Traces of Loss

Joseph approached Bu Siti and sat down beside her. "Tell me about Mila, Mom."

With a distant look, Ms. Siti began to tell him, "Mila is a white cat with gray spots, very similar to Momo. He was my friend when I felt lonely. We play, laugh, sometimes cry together. When he's gone, part of my heart is gone with him."

Ima's eyes wet hearing that story. "Bu Siti, we're so sorry. We don't know if Momo brought such deep memories to you."

Ms. Siti smiled bitterly, "It's not your fault, dear. Seeing Momo just reminds me of Mila."

Yusuf grasped Ms Siti's hand gently, "Mom, is there a photo of Mila? Maybe we can help determine if Momo really looks like Mila."

Ms. Siti nodded, "I have an old photo inside the house. Just a minute."

Shortly thereafter, Ms. Siti returned with a shabby black and white photo. In the photo, a little girl is seen hugging a white cat tightly with gray spots. "That's me," said Ms. Siti as she pointed at the little girl, "and that's Mila."

Ima and Joseph looked at the photo, then compared it to Momo. There are similarities, but of course, there are differences as well. However, the sadness in Bu Siti's eyes was very real.

"Bu Siti," Ima said softly, "although Momo is not Mila, we hope she can give you some wonderful new memories."

Ms. Siti smiled, stroking Ima's head, "Thank you, dear. I know you have a good heart."

Joseph stood up, "Mom, what if we find out who the real owner of Momo is? Maybe he has a history we can tell."

Ms. Siti nodded, "That's a good idea. Thank you, Yusuf, Ima."

With renewed vigor, Ima and Yusuf begin their new mission: figuring out Momo's origins and, hopefully, giving Bu Siti some comfort from her old memories.

As the sun began to lean west, the city park became a favorite playground for Ima and Yusuf. A lush garden with large trees and flowering shrubs becomes a place where they run, laugh, and sometimes just sit enjoying nature. In one corner of the park, there is an information board where ordinary citizens attach announcements or posters.

While playing hide-and-seek, Ima's eyes were fixed on a poster featuring a picture of a cat. "Joseph!" call him, "See this!"

Joseph, who was hiding behind a tree, appeared with a puzzled face. "What, Ima?"

Ema pointed to the poster. "It's Momo, right?"

With quick steps, Joseph approached and noticed the poster. The poster is pale yellow with a cat image very similar to Momo. The words below it read, "Lost! A cat named Leo. If you find him, call Mr. Haris."

Joseph clenched his hand, "Sir Haris? Neighbor next door?"

Ima nodded, "We should tell her."

Without waiting for long, the two ran home. When they arrived at Mr. Haris' house, they could hear the slow sound of piano music. Carefully, Joseph knocked on the door. Before long, the door opened showing Mr. Haris with his hair turning white.

"Good afternoon, sir," Yusuf said politely. "We found this in the garden." He showed me the poster they were carrying.

Mr. Haris' eyes grew, "Leo! Found him?"

Ima replied hesitantly, "Actually, sir, we found a cat similar to this picture a few days ago. We thought he was a street cat, so we took care of him."

They brought Mr. Haris home and showed Momo sleeping soundly in the patio chair. Mr. Haris crouched down, stroking the cat gently. "This is it," he said in a quivering voice, "This is Leo."

Joseph, feeling guilty, asked, "Sir, why does Leo mean so much to you?"

With a distant view, Mr. Haris told me, "Leo is a gift from my daughter, Raisa. He gave it to me before going to college abroad. He said Leo would accompany my solitude."

Tears began to fall from Ima's eyes, "We really don't know, sir. Forgive us."

Mr. Haris raised his hand, "It's okay. What matters now is that Leo is back."

They sat together on the porch, enjoying the company while looking at the slowly sinking sun. The atmosphere became warm, despite the guilt that plagued the hearts of Ima and Joseph.

Before returning home, Mr. Haris said, "Children, thank you for taking care of Leo. Even if you call her Momo."

Joseph smiled, "He is special, sir."

That night, the city park not only bears witness to the games of Ima and Joseph, but also the traces of the lost that were rediscovered. A story of error, understanding, and deep affection.

The stars shone brightly in the night sky, gently sowing their light over the house of Ima and Joseph. Under the moonlight, the garden behind the house looked so peaceful with the gurgling water from the small pond in the middle.

In a room lit only by candlelight, Ima, Joseph, and Ana sat around a small wooden table. The facial expressions of Ima and Joseph looked grim, describing the dilemma they were facing.

Ima, with her teary eyes, said, "Mom, we really like Momo. But we know he belongs to Mr. Haris."

Ana, with an understanding face, looked at Ima and Joseph. "I know you both love Momo very much. But you also know what to do."

Joseph lowered his head, "But, Mom, it feels so hard. We're used to Momo."

Ana took a deep breath, "Sometimes in life, we have to make difficult decisions, not only for our own good but also for the happiness of others."

Ima looked at Ana, "What do you mean, Mom?"

Ana replied patiently, "When you decided to take care of Momo, you did so with good intentions. But now, you know who Momo's true owner is. Returning Momo to Mr. Haris is the right thing."

Joseph, in a trembling voice, asked, "But, Mom, what will we feel after Momo leaves?"

Ana, with eyes that glowed lovingly, replied, "You will feel pain, of course. But you will also feel relief for doing right. And most importantly, you will grow into a more mature and responsible individual."

Ima, wiping her tears, said, "We'll miss her, Mom."

Ana hugged Ima and Joseph tightly, "I know. But remember that true love often requires sacrifice. You have shown your love for Momo by taking care of her, and now it's time for you to show your love by returning it."

Joseph, in a more steady voice, said, "You are right, ma'am. Tomorrow we'll return Momo to Mr. Haris."

That night, though surrounded by grief, there was a valuable lesson that Ima and Joseph had learned. With Ana's support, they are ready to face tomorrow with courage and hard-but-right decisions.