A Mother's Protection

Having a good time with my mom is one of the reasons I always find it difficult to get back to work whenever I come visiting. I just wish I was living far away in the city. The distance between the town and where I lived was about a two and a half hour drive. It was a long distance and the more reason why I rarely came home.

"Kel, tell me, how have you been? You didn't come home last weekend. Was it because you were extremely busy?"

My mom asked, as she served us soup.

"You're right, mom, I've been so busy in the past week and had so many things that needed my attention."

"I see, son, I think you should take it easy. I don't want you to get sick again. You know what, while leaving this time, I think I would need to cook some herbs for you."

I smiled at my mom's show of care.

"Thanks mom, you're truly the best!"

"Uhm, Kel, have you…" My mom trailed off, not completing her statement.

"What are you trying to say, mom?"

I could see in her eyes that whatever she wanted to ask must be sensitive. But I was prepared for it, anyway.

"Just say it, I'm all ears, trust me.

"Well, the thing is, I wanted to know if you have any plans for getting married," my mom blurted out, shocking me to the core.

I blinked rapidly, not knowing what to say."

"I know I shouldn't be asking you such a question, son. I'm your mother, and I want you to be happy. I know you're afraid, but I think it's time you got yourself a boyfriend or girlfriend, whichever you choose."

I trembled while holding the cup of coffee in my hands. That was indeed sensitive.

"Mom, I know you mean well, but then, I haven't actually thought about having anyone in my life."

"What about anyone you like? Isn't there anyone you like among your friends? Someone you really want to be with?"

I blinked nervously.

"N…none for now." I lied, flatly. There's no way I'm telling her the truth. I mean, how can I tell her the person I'm actually crushing on was someone I could never have?

"Oh dear, are you still worried about yourself?"

"I… don't know, mom. I'm just not ready for a relationship yet."

She slowly walked to the dining hall where I was sitting and took a seat beside me. She placed her hands in mine and held me firmly.

"Kel, you are my son, and I know how you may feel. Wait, I have something to show you," she patted my hands and quickly headed to her room.

I wondered what it was she wanted to show me. I wish my mom wouldn't think too much about me. I mean, I'm perfectly okay with being alone. It's not like I was expecting anyone to just show up and accept me the way I am.

"Here you go." My mom, suddenly, placed a file in front of me.

"What's this, mom?' I asked curiously.

"Just open it, I'm sure you'll understand when you see what's inside."

I stared at her, weirdly, but then I trusted her.

I picked up the file and slowly opened it.

I saw pictures. They were pictures of men and women. I creased my brow at the pictures I saw. I took another glance at my mom, who gestured for me to continue with what I was doing.

I took out the first file, which had a photo of a man. Furthermore, I did notice there was a short story about the man written below his photo. I quickly read through the page, and immediately went wide in shock. I gazed up at my mom, who just shrugged her shoulders at me.

The man I read about was actually like me. He's also intersex, but became a famous fashion designer. The second was about a girl. She's also an intersex who became a model, and shockingly, I found out she was married.

"T...These people are allowed to live in society without being criticized?" I asked, still shocked about what I found.

"Not really, son, just like you, they've faced condemnation. Since were far worse than yours, but they pulled through. Son, I had to find these people and prepare a file of them for you because I want you to understand that you're not an alien. You're a man, my son, and there's nothing wrong with who you are."

I couldn't help but burst into tears because of her words. She's always been the one encouraging me ever since I came to understand what I was.

"It's okay to cry, don, but never give up on yourself. You're not alone. I'm here for you, and these people are just like you too, but they are strong, they face the harshness of society head strong. You've got to be strong, Kel."

I nodded my head in agreement. I hugged her even more and cried on her shoulders.

She patted me on the back as I cried.

"You'll be okay, my baby."

********

Time flew too quickly, and I had to go back on a Sunday evening. Getting home before 8pm was almost like a ritual for Sundays.

"Mom, I need to get home on time, I have to start with my new task tomorrow."

"A minute, I'm almost done."

My mom said from her room. I wondered what she was packing up this time. She always makes me feel like I'm still a little kid even though I'm a grown man of 25.

"Here you go," she took out a mini backpack, and from my observation, I could tell what was inside."

"Mom, you don't have to go through all this anymore. You're spoiling me, you know."

"Well, there's no reason why I shouldn't spoil you. Be good now, will you?" She patted my shoulders and helped carry my backpack to the truck. I smiled as I trailed behind her.

"Don't forget to call or text me when you get home."

"I won't," I got into the car and drove out of the garage. I glanced through the side mirror and saw her waving at me as I drove out. I took out my hands from my window and waned back at her as I drove off.

"There's nothing like having a mom who cares deeply for you," I whispered in my thoughts.