Mother's Day, of an alternate sort

"No, today's not for us. It doesn't count. We can't give birth." They protested. It seemed common sense. They'd gotten enough rights and acceptance.

But they were pushed. By members of their support group, by others they'd mentored. A sort of mothering even the most conscientious biological mothers couldn't give. Sharing fears of going out en femme, how to close ranks against a harasser or shit down "you crossdress, so you must X," or "sure, you can crossdress, but don't get ideas you can express yourself fully."

They still felt guilty hearing, or requesting, Ma'am when en femme. People did, more. Humoring them or genuine? Should've been clear, yet...

They paid the check, tipping over 18%. (They'd pay their gifters the difference.) It no longer felt an obligation.

"Ladies, one more thing. The other ladies who comped your dinner left this, too."

Gift certificates to an expensive clothes store.

"Do return with your purchase. Your sense of style is always welcome here."