Infant Paintings

"Grandma, what's the purpose of that herbal concoction?" I blurted out after holding in the burning question for a while.

She glanced at me. "Did someone say something to you?"

She had immediately guessed it.

I had to tell the truth, saying, "Well, the storekeeper told me that…"

"She's lying," Grandma snapped firmly. "I've lived long enough to tell the truth from the lie. Sweetie, do not believe in her words anymore."

Grandma was nice to me. She certainly wouldn't lie to me. Feeling relieved, I nodded. "Got it, Grandma."

…

Beth still hadn't recuperated after three days, but the smell of blood had slowly vanished. I bet she'd be back to herself in a few days.

Without warning, a client suddenly showed up at our house.

"Madam Albright, please help! That wife of mine has gone crazy! I need to get a divorce!" The rich guy grumbled loudly, but Grandma paid him no attention.

"Madam Albright, the family dinner tonight is my final chance at getting a divorce! My wife is infertile. If Julie is pregnant with my child, my parents will stand up for me! I beg for your help!"

The man pulled out a piece of paper on which he had written down a list of demands.

"Madam Albright, I'll pay you 20 million dollars! Please help me out!"

Finally, Grandma showed him some response. "Can't you wait for a day more?"

"No! Tomorrow is going to be too late!" The man seemed to have arrived at a decision. "I'll fork out another ten million dollars! Madam Albright, please!"

It took Grandma a while to agree. Nodding, she produced four baby paintings. I watched helplessly as she walked into Beth's room.

When Grandma helped Beth out, I was shocked by how pallid Beth appeared. I hadn't seen Beth in six days at this point.

"Grandma?" I tried to stop Grandma. "Beth isn't well yet. Let her rest."

Although Beth was a paid apprentice, I thought it was unjust to exploit her labor when she was not in her best condition.

"Sweetie, wait outside." Grandma ignored my pleas.

"But Grandma, Beth looks really unwell."

"That's none of your business. Get out."

"But…" I hesitated.

"Get out!" This was the first time Grandma raised her voice at me.

I was stunned for a bit, but I quickly left the room and waited in the courtyard with the male client.

As expected, I heard the screams of that pretty woman who came with the rich male client. Unlike in the past, Beth's scream followed.

It was just a single scream, but it was far more harrowing than any scream I had heard before, as if it were the sound made by a person in her final moments of life.

I nearly collapsed to the floor, not because I was spooked out by the eerie scream, but because I recognized it as Beth's voice.