My Mother is a Transvestite

Raka's Secret

The morning sun gently shone on the city park. The birds chirped merrily, and the scent of fresh flowers spread in the air. Some people have started to move; some are jogging, some are busy with their yoga mats. On one of the benches, Ima sat waiting for Raka who was coming soon.

Before long, Raka appeared from a distance, wearing a white T-shirt and shorts, her hair slightly disheveled due to the morning breeze. "Sorry to keep you waiting" he said with a smile.

"Ah, it's okay. The air this morning was very pleasant," Ima replied as she pointed around the garden filled with shady trees.

They both decided to walk around the park, enjoying the freshness of the morning air. On the way, Ima asked, "So, what made you decide to move to this city?"

Raka looked far ahead, as if looking for the right words. "I want to escape my past, from mistakes and regrets."

Ima turned to her, "But, doesn't everyone have a past? Isn't that what makes us who we are now?"

Raka took a deep breath, "Of course, but there are some mistakes that are too difficult to deal with." His body movements looked stiff, and his normally warm brown eyes now looked shady.

Before Ima could respond, a small scream distracted them. A little boy screamed because his heart-red balloon was flying freely in the air, blown away by the wind.

Without thinking, Raka ran after the balloon. His feet moved quickly, his eyes focused on the increasingly distant balloon. Some people in the park turned their heads, fascinated by Raka's spontaneous actions.

After a few seconds that felt like a clock, Raka managed to catch the balloon. The little boy ran over, his face beaming, "Thank you, brother!" he said with a cheerful voice.

Raka smiled, "Sama-sama. Be careful, yes" he said, handing the balloon to the child. Raka's facial expression looked gentle, her eyes twinkled, and her smile was sincere.

Ima approached, "That's very good of you," he said.

Raka scratched his nape, looking embarrassed, "Ah, just instinct. Can't bear to see that little boy sad."

They continued their walk, but the atmosphere now seemed lighter. Although Raka is still not fully open about her past, her sincere actions show that behind her defensive walls, hidden a gentle side filled with empathy.

Near a pond in the middle of the garden stood a large shady tree with its leaves rustling in the wind. Underneath, an old wooden bench offers shelter for anyone who wants to enjoy the serenity. This is where Ima and Raka decided to sit, protected from the scorching sun.

Ima took a deep breath, enjoying the smell of fresh soil and leaves. "This place has always been my favorite. There's something calming here" he said as he stared at the reflection of the clouds in the pond.

Raka looked at the large tree in front of her, "I know what you mean. There's peace here, as if we could talk to nature."

For a moment, the two fell silent, immersed in each other's thoughts. However, then Ima softly asked, "Raka, you said you want to start a new beginning in this city. What the hell is going on?"

Raka took a deep breath, her face looking tense. Her nose showed doubt, her lips trembled slightly before she spoke. "There are parts of my past that are hard to deal with. The mistakes I made, the people I hurt by accident."

Ima looked at Raka with sympathetic eyes, "We all made mistakes, Raka. But that doesn't mean we can't change or get a second chance."

Raka plays her fingers, "I know. But there are some wounds that are difficult to heal. Some memories are too painful to remember."

Before their conversation continued, the sound of an ice cream bell distracted them. An ice cream merchant with a blue wooden cart approached them. "Es cream, son? Fresh nih, suitable for hot weather gini."

She smiled, "Why not? What's your favorite, Raka?"

Raka seemed to think for a moment, "First, I always chose the taste of chocolate. What about you?"

When the merchant gave them ice cream, Raka asked, "Do you? Back then, when I was a kid, I used to run after ice cream carts in my village. It's like chasing happiness."

She laughed, "Sama! Yusuf and I always race to get the first ice cream. Sometimes, we even argue about who gets the bigger piece of ice cream."

Raka smiled, "Sweet memories, huh?"

"Yes, right. Sometimes, we need to remember such sweet memories to get through the hard times" Ima replied gently.

Raka looked at Ima, "Thank you, Ima. Maybe someday, I'll tell you all about my past."

Ima nodded, "I'll wait for that story."

Under a shady tree, two souls share memories, secrets, and ice cream, seeking peace amidst the chaos of life.

The afternoon sun began to paint the sky with orange and purple gradations, creating a stunning natural painting. The previously crowded city park is now quiet, only a few young families are still playing in the children's play area and young couples are sitting on park benches.

Under the same large tree, Ima and Raka stood face to face. "Thank you for today, Ima," Raka said in a grateful tone. Her smile was warm, yet her eyes seemed slightly watery.

Ima nodded, "I also thank you. Even though we've only met, it feels like we've known each other for a long time."

Raka lowered her head for a moment, "There's a lot I want to share, but I'm not ready yet. But, I promise, one day I'll tell it."

Ima touched Raka's arm gently, "I'll wait, Raka. Everyone has their own time to share."

Raka raised her face, looking at Ima with sincere eyes, "We can meet again, right?"

"Surely," replied Ima with a smile. "How about next week, here again?"

Raka nodded, "That sounds perfect."

The two shook hands, but there was warmth in the touch, an unneeded promise. Raka walked away, leaving Ima still standing, staring at the darkening afternoon sky.

As Ima began to step home, she heard something falling nearby. He found a brown leather wallet on the street. He took it and opened it, hoping to find the identity of its owner. Inside, there are several family photos and an identity card with the name "Hariyanto".

With determination, Ima decided to return the wallet. He wondered at some of the people around him, and finally found a middle-aged man who looked uneasy looking for something.

"Sir, is this your wallet?" ask Ima while showing me the wallet.

The man looked over with sparkling eyes, "Yes! That's my wallet! Thank you very much, son!" he said with relief.

Ima smiled, "Sama-sama, sir. Be careful."

With the wallet in hand and gratitude in his heart, the man walked home, while Ima continued her steps with a light heart. Although the day was filled with emotions and secrets, such a small kindness reminded him of how precious each moment of life was.

When the sun completely sunk and the night sky began to show its stars, Ima arrived home feeling happy and hopeful for the days to come.