A Miracle Curse

In Jeju City, South Korea, stood Haeinsa, Hapcheon-gun, a temple where God Haneullim presides over the city. The locals believed that by expressing devotion in various ways, their wishes could be granted in return. Each person had their unique method of worshiping God Haneullim.

Among them, Hananim, a woman from Jeju City, faithfully believed in God Haneullim. Every week, she danced in the temple, seeking the fulfillment of her singular wish – to have a family that she could cherish forever.

Similarly, Yeomara, a young man, expressed his worship through playing the guitar and singing. His wish echoed Hananim's desire for a family. Fate brought Hananim and Yeomara together, and love blossomed between them.

Convinced that their initial wish for a family had been granted, Hananim and Yeomara now sought another blessing – the gift of a child. They intensified their worship, attending the temple twice a week with the hope of expanding their family.

However, their joy was short-lived when they discovered that Hananim faced challenges conceiving due to a uterine issue. Doubt crept into Hananim's heart, leading her to question the benevolence of God Haneullim. Despite Hananim's skepticism, Yeomara persevered in his faith, unwavering in his belief that they would be blessed with children.

Their disagreements escalated, and Hananim resorted to spreading false information about the temple, even attempting to destroy it. The enraged community expelled Hananim from Jeju City. Yeomara, undeterred, relocated with Hananim to a secluded spot behind the mountain, facing the water and northward.

Far from the temple, Yeomara constructed a hanok, a traditional Korean house, as their new home. Despite Hananim's declining health, he continued his pilgrimages to the South, fervently praying for their child and Hananim's recovery.

As Hananim's health deteriorated, she realized her illness was a divine punishment from God Haneullim. In a surprising turn of events, Hananim discovered she was pregnant, bringing immense joy to Yeomara. However, the happiness was tinged with fear, as they worried about Hananim's ability to give birth.

Filled with gratitude and regret for doubting her god, Hananim returned to the temple with Yeomara, shocking everyone who knew of her illness. Hananim silently prayed for forgiveness, acknowledging her impatience and discontent.

Nine months later, Hananim gave birth to two healthy twins – a boy named Jeoseung Saja and a girl named AryongJong. However, Hananim's health continued to decline rapidly. In a cruel irony, the God who granted their wish for children also bestowed upon Hananim an incurable illness that would claim her life after giving birth.

Yeomara, devastated, pledged to love and care for their twins in Hananim's absence, keeping his promise as a testament to their enduring love.

The End