All Chapters of Infant Paintings: Chapter 1 - Chapter 10

"Madam Albright, I want my child to be smart—best if it's a boy." A man with a beer belly sat politely across from Grandma.She replied, her face devoid of emotions, "It's 100,000 dollars per request.""Of course. That's understood. Don't worry, Madam Albright."Grandma pulled a piece of paper toward herself after the man agreed to the deal.…Grandma and I only had each other. She would paint every day, though her paintings were mediocre, to say the least. Her subjects were babies, and every one of them looked alike. It baffled me why the rich would spend a fortune to buy Grandma's paintings."It's done." Grandma set her brush on the table. I drew closer to take a look. As expected, it was yet another ugly painting."Bring her in." She rose and brought the painting into a room without turning on the lights.The man hurried out and brought back a pretty young woman with him. He comforted her, "Hey, just go in."The woman was clearly nervous. However, after being shoved by th

I had asked Grandma why we hadn't moved out, but she replied to me very sternly that she could never leave this place.I never dared ask her ever since."By the way, where's Beth?" I finally noticed Beth's absence.Glancing my way, Grandma said, "She's occupied with something. Go buy some herbs from the foot of the mountain."I took her orders and went down the mountain.At the store, the storekeeper suddenly inquired, "Darling, has your mom not gotten pregnant after all these years?"Taken aback, I questioned, "What does that mean?""Don't you know? The herbs you often purchase from me are to induce ovulation. They're for those who want to get pregnant!"My eyes widened in disbelief, as Grandma was the one who had taken these herbs before! But Grandma couldn't have possibly tried for a child."Ma'am, there must be a misunderstanding. That's impossible," I remarked with guilt and said no more.Once I received my herbs, I ran home like I was being chased, worried that someone

After I heard Beth's despairing scream, I tried to rush into the dark room without a care, but Grandma had come out and pulled me back.The client left with satisfaction, and Grandma sent me on another errand again.I hurriedly set off, assuming Beth was very unwell. When I came home with the herbs that Grandma had requested, I found Grandma digging a hole in the back of the mountain. Beth's lifeless face peeked out from the pit.Beth had died a sudden death, and Grandma buried her without any explanation.I couldn't understand how a perfectly healthy woman ended up dead after entering that dark room thrice.I could make out Grandma's mumbling, "Poor girl. You wouldn't have died if we had done this a day later. Had I not needed the money urgently… Oh, well. I'll keep you in my prayers, Beth."What did Grandma mean by urgently needing money? I thought she had earned a fortune by selling the baby paintings. Besides, our family never had any major expenses. Where did all the money g

Grandma mentioned she could no longer produce babies. Did that mean she had given birth many times before?The herbs I received from the storekeeper cum pharmacist were definitely to stimulate ovulation, but what was next? Did Grandma give birth to babies, and where did they all go? Did the clients take the babies with them?What shocked me the most was the mention of her son—my father!But in the story I was told, my parents both passed away early in my life. Mom tragically passed away during childbirth, and Dad followed her footsteps soon due to intense grief.Could Dad still be alive? Was he a captive of that God of Fertility—whatever that was?"This won't do. I need to get to the bottom of the issue." Immediately, I made the decision to find out the truth behind all these supernatural happenings.…As expected, Grandma asked me to put out the job opening flyers the next morning, as she wanted to look for a new apprentice. Knowing that the new apprentice would meet her fa

Watching Holly leave, I knew I had to come to a decision. Holly felt mysterious to me, and I wasn't sure if she was being utterly truthful, but I would help her as long as she promised not to hurt Grandma.After all, I did not want Grandma to continue her baby painting business, and I no longer wanted to see any more dead women buried at the back of the mountain.That afternoon, I called up Holly and agreed to help her out."I knew you would help.""But can you promise not to hurt my grandma?"She agreed, "I promise you—if you help me."…The next day, Holly showed up at our house to interview for that apprentice opening. She had put on a disguise, and Grandma accepted her application with much satisfaction."How did you manage to do that?" I was surprised by Holly's ability to disguise herself."Well, one has to have some skills to get rid of the God of Fertility.""Alright. What do I need to do?""Firstly, please hand this pill to me after I leave that dark room." Holly ha