Chapter 3
Chapter 3
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The old woman said, “The spirit of the stillborn will tell her where you are.”
As she spoke, she plunged her fingers into the clay jar and stirred the blackened soil. Before long, a few shiny, oily insects crawled out from between her fingers. I felt a shiver run down my spine.
Then, she crushed the insects in her hand and sprinkled their remains into a glass of clear water before handing it to me. She commanded, “Drink this.”
I hesitated, but the old woman explained, “Even curses have weaknesses. Drinking this will temporarily suppress the evil spirit inside you.”
I gulped anxiously. Just then, another text from Vanda popped up on my phone: “I’ll be there in 15 minutes!”
Terrified, I quickly downed the water in one gulp. “What about my baby?” I asked, my voice trembling. “How do I bring my baby back?”
The old woman’s expression darkened. “The spirit of the stillborn is under her control, so we can’t bring it back yet. You need to retrieve the controlling insect from her first and bring it to me.”
I froze, confused. “Wait, didn’t you say she and I both consumed the same type of insect? How am I supposed to find the one controlling her?”
The old woman pointed to my back. “The insect you both consumed is part of the ritual, but the real controlling insect has been clinging to her back the entire time.
“You have to remove it from her. Once it’s gone she won’t be able to control the spirit
you, and I can help switch your baby back.”
inside you,
She handed me a small knife and a porcelain vial. “Use these. Be quick–if the insect senses danger, it will burrow into her body, and then it’ll be nearly impossible to extract.”
My palms were sweaty as I took the items. Before I could process it all, my phone buzzed again. “I’m outside,” Vanda’s text read.
I shoved the knife and vial into my bag and bolted for the door. The old woman called after me, “Whatever you do, don’t eat anything she gives you!”
The moment I stepped outside, I saw Vanda standing there. Her face was tight with concern as she grabbed my arm, glancing nervously at the small building behind me.
She asked, “What are you doing here?”
I forced a calm smile. “A friend of mine lives here. I came to pass some money to her.”
I started walking away, but she stopped in her tracks, narrowing her eyes at me. “I didn’t
+25 BONUS
Chapter 3
know you had a friend who lived here. Are you hiding something from me?”
She added, almost too casually, “By the way, have you been feeling any discomfort in your stomach today?”
I took a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves. It was clear that she was not concerned about me,
but rather probing.
The old woman had warned me that the spirit inside me could reveal some things to her. Even though she knew something, I would have to keep up my act.
I reached for her hand and smiled. “What are you talking about? Didn’t you just do an ultrasound for me a few days ago? The baby is fine.”
As I spoke, my gaze flicked to her back. Through her shirt, I could see a faint, wriggling movement that made my skin crawl. Suppressing my fear, I followed her home.
The moment we walked through the door, Hector appeared, carrying a bowl of steaming fish soup. I forced a gag, clutching my stomach.
I said, “I’m sorry, but my morning sickness has been terrible lately. I can’t drink that.”
However, Vanda was not having it. She shoved the bowl toward me, her tone firm. “You need to have this. I already had my share–this is for you.”
I took a deep breath, trying to change the subject. “Vanda, how are things with you and your husband? It’s been months since you two fought. Don’t you think it’s time to make up and move back with him?”
Before Vanda could respond, Hector jumped in defensively. “Luna, what are you saying? Hasn’t it been great having Vanda here with us? She’s an ob–gyn–she’s the best person to take care of you.”
Then, he nudged the bowl closer. “Now, have it.”
My suspicion toward Hector grew.
As Vanda brought the bowl to my lips, I pretended to sneeze, jerking forward just enough to send the soup crashing to the floor. Both of them looked annoyed as I stammered, “I’m so sorry! I’m exhausted today.
“I just need to rest. By the way, Vanda, I’ve been feeling a little off. I’m going to the hospital tomorrow to get checked.”
Vanda called out from behind the door, her voice sharp. “Not feeling well? I can check on you right now.”
I quickly replied, “No, it’s fine. I ran into one of your coworkers earlier, and she told me to come to her tomorrow. I already said I’d go.”
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Chapter 3
The hallway went silent after that. Of course, I had not run into anyone. It was just an excuse I came up with to buy me some time.
Besides, I knew the only place I could extract the insect safely was somewhere public, like the hospital.
Before my alarm even went off the next morning, I was already out of bed. I barely slept a wink. Whenever I closed my eyes, I saw Vanda’s unsettling smile and the squirming insect on her back.
After a quick wash, I peered into Vanda’s room. Her door was still shut, and I exhaled in relief. I needed to move quickly.
At the hospital, I pretended to register for a checkup. I kept an eye on the bustling crowd, wanting to find the perfect spot to execute the plan.
Vanda arrived for her shift about 30 minutes later. When she spotted me, her expression turned dark as she growled, “Luna, why did you lie to me?”
Chapter 4
Chapter 4
