x
BANG BANG BANG*
347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS20Wr7gusl
Rob squinted at his phone. 3:33 AM.347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5kcs0p5Rq1
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“Rob…?” his wife mumbled, half-asleep. 347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQXwdL2xjwn
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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. 347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNzTSSBxf17
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BANG BANG BANG*347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXKEgBebTm7
The knocking didn’t let up.347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIswLA06gkX
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“Who is it?” Rob called as he approached the door. 347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0y2C6GrAhN
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“Robby… it’s me,” came a low, soft voice. 347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVIQg4VV36v
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He opened the door. “Eve?”347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqPNvLVVRR8
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There, standing on his porch, was his younger sister. A smile stretched across her face. 347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDkQF9VLwWG
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“Hey, Robby! How ya doin’, bro?” Her tone was light and playful, almost too casual.347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQCAPzdoq8X
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Before Rob could respond, Celine’s head peeked around the corner. “Eve?” 347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDpP39RvQap
347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo556nhzEcd
Eve’s grin widened. “Celine! Hi.” 347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzF8d9ojZMn
347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYemJ5QjJFq
“You’ll catch a cold out here,” Celine said. She reached out and gently pulled Eve inside. 347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsrfL7xxrST
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Rob shut the door behind them. “What happened? It’s the middle of the night.” 347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt68g8AB63H
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Eve shrugged. “I was taking a walk and thought I’d drop by. Y’know… say hi.” 347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡozJMWbep2C
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“At 3 AM? It’s a four-hour walk from your house to here!”347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS0Weq0pRe2
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Eve tilted her head, genuinely perplexed. “Four hours? Huh. Didn’t feel like it.” 347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY90UWFBRkY
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Rob exchanged a long, wordless look with Celine. Their unspoken thoughts buzzed between them like static. 347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuxMxI0XFgU
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“Are you hungry?” Celine asked, breaking the silence. 347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9IPQaZkQnI
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Eve nodded enthusiastically. 347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKuwsOj4TpE
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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.347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw8KicnDsab
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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.”347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWeekvUFLk3
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Rob frowned. “Going? It’s 3 AM.” 347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXYBj0xGUPg
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“Yeah, so?” She stood, her carefree grin unwavering. 347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCownnDRhZq
347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhinLuUhePf
“You’re staying here tonight,” Celine said firmly. 347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9sQo5zJHgV
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Eve hesitated, her expression flickering for a moment. “Fine, thanks.” 347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVq28sZQh0W
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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.347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsHI3mLgS4s
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December 30, 2024347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuE5AXNpEOD
8:02 AM347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlLIaZHJhAe
When Rob and Celine woke up, they were surprised to find Eve already making breakfast, standing by the stove with a bright smile.347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaEx2uxeoHs
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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. 347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkRiAYmnisZ
347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNUSvhCdRnj
As they sat down, Eve wiped the silver knife she used while making breakfast with a towel. “Well, I’ve gotta get going.”347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHgSGiNOmGt
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“You’re leaving already?” Celine asked. 347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyMNFPGIEef
347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPs9ZJBKCXq
“Yeah, got a few places to be.” 347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNx99L4RhYK
347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKCmS78wwpK
“Wait,” Rob said, disappearing into the bedroom. He returned with some cash. 347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKaDsjSbFSu
347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwaCo4XRQvd
When he entered the kitchen, he found Celine holding Eve’s hands in prayer. 347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUHjJUT2Vqr
347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6sT4BauawE
“...Amen,” Celine finished. “Will you join us at church tomorrow? It’s the last service of the year.” 347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtpNU4O4fHd
347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAqALtffcUT
Eve hesitated, then nodded. “Yeah, of course… I’ll be there.”347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1mnnygLngq
347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCQTtKYVjOZ
Rob handed her the money. “Here, take a cab home, and keep the rest.” 347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyoSmSkHmTi
347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8fp9pJ3uSH
“Aww, Robby, you didn’t have to… Thanks. Take care. See you tomorrow.” 347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5m41LgAFht
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She left, the smell of bacon and eggs lingering in her wake.347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUOYVimcYbg
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12:22 PM347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz6bpohraIA
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.347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyn5BZdvE4g
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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 was347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZaC57Bw9Pc
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. 347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5AQ4ZNjqtC
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“We should try convincing her to move in with us again,” Celine said suddenly.347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuqADELbCvJ
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“Huh?” 347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEEEf4TM4R9
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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. 347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzx7WIW9KSN
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“Yeah… Maybe she’ll be more willing to start fresh next year.” 347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWDgVjqRZFA
347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB48KGeaONW
“I’ll talk to her after the service tomorrow. She likes me more, so she might agree.” 347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7CDB8WFTAY
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“Ha! She’s my sister, you know.” 347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6JAn78IGWO
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Celine smiled. “Exactly. That’s why she’ll listen to me.”347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt4Z6arcZDg
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December 31, 2024347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAdCiuLJxkR
10:01 AM347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6xZwmjll25
“Where is she?”347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJWq6ihHC5P
Celine wondered, glancing toward the church doors each time they creaked open.347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCKWSyTZ2ev
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 2025347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhfUzj7Kstr
9:09 AM347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeBxTWw3ow3
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. 347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzBV9VgtxFW
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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.” 347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbFT2uXxQWx
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“But my stomach is too flat,” Eve said, her voice rising. “There should still be some hidden sign of pregnancy.”347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJI0DVnNYQC
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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—”347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXSoz1GL4MW
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Lucy hesitated. “The most humane option would be to terminate the pregnancy now.” 347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡduhCJgfviT
347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDe40afGQAV
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?” 347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOjatHhtFXt
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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.347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgr10h9UgVk
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“Celine, could I speak with you outside for a moment?” Lucy asked, and Celine reluctantly followed her out. 347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtUnhpfPVX5
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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—” 347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU07jwKUjbv
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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.” 347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkJITxaTx3V
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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.”347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb2Cf1AYp35
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Wthout another word, Lucy turned and walked away, leaving Celine standing in the hallway.347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwM2Su5SfLO
347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMKdo8hhBBi
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. 347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAgxzQ9Djnv
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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.” 347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoW9Fw5xj3l
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Eve nodded, her face pale and tear-streaked.347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIqj1rPdioB
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11:11 AM347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk1mwPYfHJ0
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.347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwJE53SVhN8
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The house was filled with an oppressive silence, broken only by Eve’s muffled sobs. 347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRnQPMqNcWu
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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.347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgB6K9ijHRq
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2nd January 2025347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQkFgonRpit
6:56 AM347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmH6LTJoXgT
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.347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtM2NSxtJtG
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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. 347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRU9gQg3Jvw
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“Eve?” 347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo4VrQhrf76
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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. 347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4E3YpNnh4u
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“What are you doing?” he asked, stepping closer. 347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlHCdlLEiCW
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“I’m... Psh!... I just needed some air,” she stammered, trying to sound casual. 347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlz2SnZKiJt
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“Air?” 347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8D7Pdlc6mx
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“Yeah... I couldn’t find the key, and I didn’t want to wake you or Celine.”347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKvCbzzEkYm
347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2tswoaBQF9
...347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1xdQOnvxBs
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“You’re having withdrawals?”347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvtZ34F81w0
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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.” 347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOOuz0HgsoO
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“Eve, no. You can’t—”347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHlqucUJUvW
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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!” 347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWqod8fqu4D
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“Eve, I don’t—” 347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSjjbQFmrI0
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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!” 347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVkaLC75ccg
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Rob stayed silent, simply watching her. 347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡig05DOO8L6
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“Fuck!” she screamed, kicking the door hard. “Open the fucking door, Robby!” 347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Cx5El4P0Z
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He remained quiet.347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8d8JjUOXxf
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“Fuck!” she kicked again.347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu6P97RHU8H
“Fuck!” another kick.347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPLQfXz5eIX
“Fuck!”347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXankAhUtFz
347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTFuodJ0Hk0
“Fuck!”347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7CPWcz2zSl
347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHlbpYhMHnv
“Fuck!”347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7abCiGMXb1
347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD3uXiZJc10
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.347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfH894rf8Z4
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For a moment, she stood there, taking deep, ragged breaths. “I’m sorry.” 347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyAIPB4uGOH
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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.” 347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8nIDqmttRa
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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.”347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJuwuU9kUqv
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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!” 347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1kTfYeZkn6
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Rob didn’t respond. 347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQcrOfwP5o3
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“Fuck!” she screamed, grabbing a white plate from the table and threw it at him.347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuWjO7K3CG5
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Rob ducked, but the plate shattered against the wall behind him, and a shard grazed his cheek. 347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVlJZEzYwkV
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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?” 347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFaZ1nGB1RL
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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!” 347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHnhPNsbxmI
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Celine turned to her, “He can’t open the door, Eve. I took the key.” 347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn6Xwu8YhpY
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“What?” 347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxyw9Okdg0M
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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.”347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKU5Uaq28u3
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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—” 347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvPDPFT7xD9
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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!” 347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRAoAm7DYv2
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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. 347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg3aUPHn3Yj
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“I killed my baby...” she said. “What the fuck do you know about pain like this?” 347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ41cNrCM2ea
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The room fell silent. Rob’s jaw tightened, his gaze dropping for a moment before he finally spoke.347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFq4qckIzAj
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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.” 347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxtkvnhaYM8
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“Don’t come any closer!” she screamed, tears streaking her face. 347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpEFFcM2biy
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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.”347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzHPQKCQQPT
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She shook her head, tears streaming down her face. 347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAjsJjvo6Bl
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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.” 347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1RA5I8qbAA
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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.347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnyhAJRynei
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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.347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjmNZQ8yVzu
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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.347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIFNoIbA40Q
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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.347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbdicREn4wj
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And then, four months later, she gave birth.347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNRbl3ViGpe
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To a perfectly healthy baby girl.347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy36kq9gtmO
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We named her Grace.347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcjdlt4GtUv
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The End.347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡksbiXgxpVI
