Makia Praxis is the most focused, practical artist in Chicago. And she hates herself for it. She longs to have the imagination her friends—and rivals—have…instead, she's only good at painting fields and rivers. Her solo show opening is tonight. So much rides on selling work this time; it’s her last chance with Gallery Apraxia. If it’s a bust, she’s just another bad waitress with a dead dream. Then the inexplicable happens; the opening is a raging success. The only problem is, it’s because there are some mysterious elements to Makia’s paintings and only she knows she didn’t create them. At first it seems like an odd miracle…but when buyers bring the paintings home, they find it might be more of a curse, and they’re sure Makia’s to blame. ****** Written for the Royal Road Community Magazine [January 2024 Edition] Contest Prompt: Immortality is a myth. This is an initial rough draft posted to meet the contest deadline. Reader insights welcomed! This story is currently on haitus, but with plans to return! Content Warning Notes: Some sporadic profanity. Sensitive themes include untimely deaths, suicide and childhood trauma/abuse.Cover artwork: digital drawing by Kat Isacson (hand drawn, not AI)