x
BANG BANG BANG*
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Rob squinted at his phone. 3:33 AM.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoNAr2R5yNr
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“Rob…?” his wife mumbled, half-asleep. 221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh0W0fFSGW2
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He leaned over, kissed my forehead, and whispered, “I’ll handle it.” Sliding on his blue nightgown, he got out of bed. 221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ213piNYrBk
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BANG BANG BANG*221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMC9dhBORCD
The knocking didn’t let up.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx1VMc00EbT
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“Who is it?” Rob called as he approached the door. 221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbP4Yz8GfRB
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“Robby… it’s me,” came a low, soft voice. 221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5JGKdZoGU8
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He opened the door. “Eve?”221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQaVlrcuvQi
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There, standing on his porch, was his younger sister. A smile stretched across her face. 221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYL5OmRnAhK
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“Hey, Robby! How ya doin’, bro?” Her tone was light and playful, almost too casual.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUrsJCDzTHw
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Before Rob could respond, Celine’s head peeked around the corner. “Eve?” 221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAcRMvCJ6Jk
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Eve’s grin widened. “Celine! Hi.” 221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbe8AGDvwB5
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“You’ll catch a cold out here,” Celine said. She reached out and gently pulled Eve inside. 221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjEKdYAAaM8
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Rob shut the door behind them. “What happened? It’s the middle of the night.” 221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJLZKgu63A3
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Eve shrugged. “I was taking a walk and thought I’d drop by. Y’know… say hi.” 221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGCqMC0TQ31
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“At 3 AM? It’s a four-hour walk from your house to here!”221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4nFNbwXIpH
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Eve tilted her head, genuinely perplexed. “Four hours? Huh. Didn’t feel like it.” 221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW3Xx08kgdA
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Rob exchanged a long, wordless look with Celine. Their unspoken thoughts buzzed between them like static. 221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Nyzf5bPBI
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“Are you hungry?” Celine asked, breaking the silence. 221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9xJ4P3750D
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Eve nodded enthusiastically. 221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYS3IPZbRv2
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In the kitchen, Eve devoured the leftovers like someone who hadn’t eaten in days. Rob and Celine sat across from her, watching, waiting for an explanation that never came.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ245OjGRQju
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The white plate looked as good as new once she was done eating. She leaned back with a satisfied sigh. “Anyway, I should probably get going.”221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPM3WZuCm0j
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Rob frowned. “Going? It’s 3 AM.” 221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7k02OYNkiQ
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“Yeah, so?” She stood, her carefree grin unwavering. 221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpsYMdt0rqR
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“You’re staying here tonight,” Celine said firmly. 221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkvYMRinZr5
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Eve hesitated, her expression flickering for a moment. “Fine, thanks.” 221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKlqR9lDeLM
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She headed straight to the guestroom, leaving Rob and Celine bewildered and concerned. They went back to bed, their thoughts racing.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr0Lir3na38
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December 30, 2024221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT7JM0TrqFu
8:02 AM221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdyNuq2sFoB
When Rob and Celine woke up, they were surprised to find Eve already making breakfast, standing by the stove with a bright smile.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBh8lJ5EKjZ
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“Good morning, sleepyheads! I made breakfast. Figured it was the least I could do after crashing here uninvited,” she said cheerfully. 221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡieJeJGirHY
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As they sat down, Eve wiped the silver knife she used while making breakfast with a towel. “Well, I’ve gotta get going.”221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGIKxrr3mn2
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“You’re leaving already?” Celine asked. 221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLSPcD2pmJy
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“Yeah, got a few places to be.” 221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEyGVoD9bEF
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“Wait,” Rob said, disappearing into the bedroom. He returned with some cash. 221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyEbgfiJLGu
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When he entered the kitchen, he found Celine holding Eve’s hands in prayer. 221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg9WZViBf1D
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“...Amen,” Celine finished. “Will you join us at church tomorrow? It’s the last service of the year.” 221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcd1BhRjifx
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Eve hesitated, then nodded. “Yeah, of course… I’ll be there.”221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFF0rrQ9g9K
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Rob handed her the money. “Here, take a cab home, and keep the rest.” 221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Eg54cDdzV
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“Aww, Robby, you didn’t have to… Thanks. Take care. See you tomorrow.” 221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMFJAjIAaIE
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She left, the smell of bacon and eggs lingering in her wake.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXSbXjQTESH
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12:22 PM221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQd0g9Ob9Yk
Even though she had money for a cab, Eve walked home. When she arrived, she didn’t go inside. Instead, she continued down the street to an old, dilapidated house. She knocked rhythmically four times, and someone opened the door just wide enough for her to enter.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1MPHNiabRn
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Two minutes later, she went out, her expression lighter, almost joyful. She walked back to her house.
When she stepped inside, it was221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ1yI2xzYse
e m P t y
No TV, no appliances, no furniture. Only an old couch sat in the living room, with a small, worn table in front of it.
Eve collapsed onto the couch and pulled a small plastic bag from her pocket. Inside was a shimmering gold powder. She poured a line onto the table, carefully arranging it before leaning down and inhaling it through her right nostril.
Leaning back on the couch, she froze, staring blankly at the ceiling. She didn’t move for three and a half hours.
Back at Rob and Celine’s. They cuddled on the couch, watching a movie and sharing a bowl of popcorn. 221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc9hr9C1Cqg
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“We should try convincing her to move in with us again,” Celine said suddenly.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfACHBmhHy4
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“Huh?” 221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡamkOCXBkEp
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“Eve. She’s been living alone for five months now, and she’s unemployed. She shouldn’t be on her own,” Celine said. 221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRA90bk4g9T
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“Yeah… Maybe she’ll be more willing to start fresh next year.” 221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlsBLXaCke6
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“I’ll talk to her after the service tomorrow. She likes me more, so she might agree.” 221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoNtCzkNwJz
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“Ha! She’s my sister, you know.” 221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ91twgzy6b
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Celine smiled. “Exactly. That’s why she’ll listen to me.”221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSibqkFTNe9
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December 31, 2024221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVfJNdzISK2
10:01 AM221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuuC0jzuwpS
“Where is she?”221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKx9nRaBi3w
Celine wondered, glancing toward the church doors each time they creaked open.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgf1hnj1tJa
She was at the pulpit, delivering her sermon with her usual grace and passion. Yet, her eyes continuously scanned the congregation, searching for Eve.
She clung to hope, reminding herself of Eve’s promise. But as the service concluded at 1:00 PM, and the congregation began to disperse, there was still no sign of her.
Rob approached her. “She didn’t come.”
Celine shook her head. “Let’s go check her house.”
Rob nodded, and they hurried out of the church, driving straight to Eve’s home.
When they arrived, they knocked repeatedly, calling her name. But there was no answer.
“Eve! Are you there?” Rob hesitated, then tried the doorknob. It wasn’t locked.
He and Celine exchanged shocked glances as they walked through the barren house.
Then they found her in the living room.
Eve was lying on the floor, squirming in pain, clutching her stomach. The small table nearby was knocked over, and not far from her was an empty plastic bag
“Eve!” Celine dropped to her knees beside her. “Eve, what’s wrong?”
Rob scooped her up in his arms. “Let’s go!”
They rushed to the car, Celine opening the doors as Rob carefully placed Eve in the back seat.
“Hang on, Eve,” Celine whispered as Rob started the engine and sped toward the hospital.
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1st January 2025221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP0lUk3yB8V
9:09 AM221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡedaqmmiF2z
Eve’s eyes fluttered open, her vision blurry at first. She didn’t know where she was, but the steady beeping of a heart monitor and the sterile smell of disinfectant gave her some idea.
She turned her head slightly. “Robby… Celine…”
They were sitting beside her bed, Celine gently holding her hand.
“Eve,” they said in unison, relief washing over their faces.
“Thank God. You’re awake,” Celine said softly. “How are you feeling?”
Eve hesitated. “I feel… I’m sorry.” Her eyes welled with tears.
“It’s okay, we—”
“No,” Eve interrupted, her voice trembling. “I didn’t mean to… I just didn’t know what else to do. When Dan died… a part of me died too. I just wanted the pain to stop. But I didn’t mean to overdose. I’m not trying to kill myself… I just…”
Rob leaned closer. “Eve, you didn’t overdose.”
Eve blinked, confusion clouding her face. Before she could ask, the door opened, and a doctor walked in, a clipboard in hand.
“It’s good to see you awake,” Dr Lucy said. “How are you feeling?”
“I’m... okay, I think,” Eve replied hesitantly. “What happened to me?”
Lucy glanced at Rob and Celine before responding. “Eve, you’re pregnant.”
“What?” Eve said, sitting up slightly. “That’s impossible. I haven’t slept with anyone in five months.”
Dr. Lucy adjusted her glasses. “You’re five months pregnant.”
Eve froze, her hand instinctively moving to her stomach. It was flat, normal — no visible sign of pregnancy, let alone five months.
“Lol, what’s going on?” she chuckled nervously, her voice shaky as she tried to dismiss it as a bad joke. But the serious looks on Rob and Celine’s faces said otherwise. 221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqE6lCeCrUG
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Lucy’s voice was calm. “You have what is known as a cryptic pregnancy. It’s a rare phenomenon where pregnancy remains unnoticed until later stages, or even until delivery.” 221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKkrLTVPbkE
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“But my stomach is too flat,” Eve said, her voice rising. “There should still be some hidden sign of pregnancy.”221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTaooIxjbVt
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“Normally, yes,” Lucy replied. “But you’ve been using some unknown drugs during the early stages of your fetus’s development, which has exacerbated the cryptic nature of your pregnancy. In this case, the drugs you’ve been using severely stunted the baby’s growth. The damage is extensive and irreversible. Even if you were to carry to term, the outcome would—”221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy19DiEuvjk
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Lucy hesitated. “The most humane option would be to terminate the pregnancy now.” 221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAV3NG79CmD
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Celine’s hand tightened around Eve’s, her voice trembling. “Are you saying the baby doesn’t deserve to be born just because it might be sick or disabled?” 221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzksGkIAsY8
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Eve burst into tears, the overwhelming emotions pouring out in uncontrollable sobs. Rob immediately leaned in, wrapping his arms around her.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4tpbXHQjxq
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“Celine, could I speak with you outside for a moment?” Lucy asked, and Celine reluctantly followed her out. 221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh0PNAp2bnT
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“I understand how you feel, but this situation is more serious than just potential sickness or disability. The baby’s development has been severely impacted, and the deformities could be unlike anything we’ve seen before. Continuing this pregnancy will—” 221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE6Iz4Ifgst
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“What ‘will’ be is not in your power to decide,” Celine interrupted. “You can only make assumptions based on your experience, but the final word is not yours.” 221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDCUeNIdV4R
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Lucy sighed. “I apologize if I’ve spoken out of place. I’ll leave you all to discuss this on your own.”221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFCv8yVDk5v
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Wthout another word, Lucy turned and walked away, leaving Celine standing in the hallway.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡITFnHNxpq0
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Celine returned to the room and found Rob and Eve still holding each other, both crying quietly. She approached them and wrapped her arms around them, the three of them sharing a long, silent hug until Eve’s tears finally began to subside. 221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFOzx1V4Gd5
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“Let’s go home,” Celine suggested. “The doctor said your pain is from malnutrition, dehydration, and fatigue. There’s no reason to stay here any longer. We can decide what to do next once we’re back.” 221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ85KSh3sut3
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Eve nodded, her face pale and tear-streaked.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfIl9x9Em0w
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11:11 AM221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEKMSwi6VyB
Back at home, Eve spent the entire day locked in her thoughts. She alternated between crying and staring into the distance. Rob and Celine took turns sitting with her, offering silent support while the other kept busy with cooking or cleaning.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjj1jndFhw9
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The house was filled with an oppressive silence, broken only by Eve’s muffled sobs. 221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0qMla127cN
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Eve’s New Year began with a crash, leaving her to wonder how(if ever) she could pick up the pieces.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvzLBEZhYnb
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2nd January 2025221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNhuZWBtglx
6:56 AM221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOLoTg3gWzS
Rob heard sounds in the house early in the morning. He slid out of bed, careful not to wake Celine, and followed the noise toward the front door.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvmK0ExSYYY
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When he reached the hallway, he froze in surprise. There was Eve, crouched in front of the front door, her hands trembling as she clumsily tried to pick the lock with a bent hair clip. 221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ90wZ1Tr6Si
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“Eve?” 221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ83qcDH3vol
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Eve flinched and looked up, her face pale and sweat-soaked. “Robby…” she mumbled, the clip falling from her shaky fingers. 221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUg8qpY8GwQ
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“What are you doing?” he asked, stepping closer. 221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ya3ISQIsy
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“I’m... Psh!... I just needed some air,” she stammered, trying to sound casual. 221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6eRYXUUL42
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“Air?” 221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2BIrV9nXoK
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“Yeah... I couldn’t find the key, and I didn’t want to wake you or Celine.”221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuFBb0cPtgt
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...221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq67unLpz7a
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“You’re having withdrawals?”221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXxjuK1VImz
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Her lips quivered, and she averted her gaze, her body twitching slightly. “I... I just need something, okay? Just a little bit to get me through.” 221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoXE8eMzVgJ
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“Eve, no. You can’t—”221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Lt1nB5N2X
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“I need it!” she cried, cutting him off. “I’m not a child, Robby. Just open the door! I’m dying!” 221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE7fY6ktGEM
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“Eve, I don’t—” 221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHXVsBH8saw
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“Robby!” she shouted, her voice breaking. “I already know everything you’re going to say. I don’t want to hear it! Just open the door!” 221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9tGBABsjqO
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Rob stayed silent, simply watching her. 221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3eu3AgvRd1
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“Fuck!” she screamed, kicking the door hard. “Open the fucking door, Robby!” 221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡftKu0VSYiX
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He remained quiet.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLU2ol3PO55
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“Fuck!” she kicked again.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTEEgIybeFJ
“Fuck!” another kick.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmJuzgYSIg8
“Fuck!”221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsVjpGuLib4
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“Fuck!”221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCMbIKSGTPi
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“Fuck!”221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXRuTVQV3QO
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Her voice cracked with each scream. Finally, she stormed to the kitchen, grabbed a glass, filled it with water, and drank it in shaky gulps. She slammed the empty glass into the sink, gripping the edge of the counter for support.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAkJxgsolEF
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For a moment, she stood there, taking deep, ragged breaths. “I’m sorry.” 221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5u6Nu4K7B8
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She let go of the sink and stumbled toward the table, steadying herself as she moved. “I just... I don’t want to feel like this anymore, Robby. Why won’t you open the door? Is it because of the baby?” Her voice cracked again. “You heard the doctor — it’s already too late for it. So please, just open the door.” 221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrKS3jlaxYO
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“It’s not about the baby,” Rob said. “It’s about my sister. It’s about how powerless I felt driving you to the hospital, thinking you were dying. It’s about how much worse it could have been if it was an actual overdose. I’m scared, Eve. I’m scared of losing you.”221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkDoIdonv3Z
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“Then you’re doing a shit job, because I am dying, right in front of you! But you won’t open the door!” 221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡENXPu8nMvj
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Rob didn’t respond. 221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcU7KgZZnGW
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“Fuck!” she screamed, grabbing a white plate from the table and threw it at him.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1BhvNLbYbt
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Rob ducked, but the plate shattered against the wall behind him, and a shard grazed his cheek. 221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHrOyEg0RbN
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“Rob!” Celine’s voice rang out as she rushed to him, gasping when she saw the blood trickling down his face. “Oh my God, are you okay?” 221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5hCKYTitVd
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“Celine...” Eve’s voice cracked again as tears poured down her face. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to... Just please, tell him to open the door! I’m in so much pain... I’m sure the baby is in pain, too! If not for me, do it for the baby. Please!” 221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEPvwWs6cgg
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Celine turned to her, “He can’t open the door, Eve. I took the key.” 221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZDszSyaHAU
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“What?” 221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡczNcLfOPPq
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“I had a feeling something might happen last night,” Celine said firmly. “So, I took the key. And I’m glad I did. I won’t let you destroy yourself.”221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoY37fxHw46
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Rob slowly stood, pressing a hand to the cut on his cheek to stop the bleeding. “Eve, I understand how you feel. I know it’s—” 221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoI0rHCe5ej
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“You don’t know shit!” Eve exploded with rage. “You’ve never suffered like I have! I lost our parents when I was just a kid, Rob! You were already an adult... you got to have them in your life! Dan... Dan was the only good thing I had left, and he’s gone now, too! And you? You’ve got your perfect little life — your perfect, happy relationship with Celine!” 221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh8qkhI5JXW
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She turned abruptly towards the kitchen counter. Her trembling hand grabbed a silver knife. She held it tightly, pointing it toward them. 221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGKTWHJ4eZQ
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“I killed my baby...” she said. “What the fuck do you know about pain like this?” 221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6rh9up58oM
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The room fell silent. Rob’s jaw tightened, his gaze dropping for a moment before he finally spoke.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqwefXCHP8U
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“When Mom and Dad died, I tried as hard as I could to fill their void. But in my attempt to be both a parent and a brother, I failed to be either,” he said, taking a small step forward. “I know you loved Dan so much. I know you hate yourself for what’s happened to your baby. And I know you’re in so much pain right now.” 221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn9K9C46Jst
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“Don’t come any closer!” she screamed, tears streaking her face. 221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvmjQrm9gb6
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“I know you, Eve,” he said as he took another step forward. “I know you’re stronger than this. You’re not giving up because you’re weak. You’re giving up because you feel guilty. But you don’t have to.”221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcTFI3PTVDI
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She shook her head, tears streaming down her face. 221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP4ByN5DbEI
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“It’s fine if you hurt me,” Rob said as he took another step forward. “But please, Eve... stop trying to hurt yourself.” 221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnILSI52AlT
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The sound of sobbing filled the room, followed by the clatter of the knife as it hit the floor. She collapsed into his chest, her body trembling.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuYfjdpuHr7
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Celine— no, I... felt a rush of relief that Eve hadn’t stabbed him. I quickly picked up the knife and set it safely aside. Then I joined them, wrapping my arms around the both of them as they cried together.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXzIdVMzfkH
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It wasn’t easy in the days that followed. Withdrawal, guilt, fear... it was all still there. But we stood together, supporting Eve through every hardship.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPBKN9cFTaA
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Eve decided to keep the baby. And as time passed, her body began to show clearer signs of pregnancy. Hope grew with each passing day.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOwtbZ7cJAB
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And then, four months later, she gave birth.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg1utkLE9ZE
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To a perfectly healthy baby girl.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcrAUTNvrTK
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We named her Grace.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXkrAqWqSb0
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The End.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX4FC9L8ihK
