x
BANG BANG BANG*
308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwFVjmWCGjF
Rob squinted at his phone. 3:33 AM.308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoNORVY9RsA
308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfetr70l8i4
“Rob…?” his wife mumbled, half-asleep. 308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2IVpaNwRbm
308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo9NsxHV1lL
He leaned over, kissed my forehead, and whispered, “I’ll handle it.” Sliding on his blue nightgown, he got out of bed. 308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWsqok0RQJM
308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ixfjIX4PU
BANG BANG BANG*308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG0YDkeCh2Q
The knocking didn’t let up.308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqB81ISPEYI
308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtPd5ZN8Qvv
“Who is it?” Rob called as he approached the door. 308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlf0EIOK74f
308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ4n7DIspki
“Robby… it’s me,” came a low, soft voice. 308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJefZl1oXMC
308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz3WIfJZpH6
He opened the door. “Eve?”308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJYovpA9dUz
308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOpRl80L18S
There, standing on his porch, was his younger sister. A smile stretched across her face. 308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsZNg4D7z4J
308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt6qZpL4Smq
“Hey, Robby! How ya doin’, bro?” Her tone was light and playful, almost too casual.308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJKNu01FpRV
308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2QpO0vrBTE
Before Rob could respond, Celine’s head peeked around the corner. “Eve?” 308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvEvUx1PWp3
308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvMczeX7YJn
Eve’s grin widened. “Celine! Hi.” 308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡee0RRmTKv1
308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSzrlF7QzxF
“You’ll catch a cold out here,” Celine said. She reached out and gently pulled Eve inside. 308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx8q99Ao4FF
308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡib2Y5J34Pi
Rob shut the door behind them. “What happened? It’s the middle of the night.” 308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIIBGr3hK9k
308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡata1jJjhw8
Eve shrugged. “I was taking a walk and thought I’d drop by. Y’know… say hi.” 308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeC8Mkolr8h
308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLkWOv0FDoC
“At 3 AM? It’s a four-hour walk from your house to here!”308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBfarSJUU66
308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ55jZwM7vwX
Eve tilted her head, genuinely perplexed. “Four hours? Huh. Didn’t feel like it.” 308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpsOJYxy1Qu
308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtL4RmTxxYI
Rob exchanged a long, wordless look with Celine. Their unspoken thoughts buzzed between them like static. 308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2qd0XN7L1F
308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsMwC3l8TL5
“Are you hungry?” Celine asked, breaking the silence. 308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyXWXygQLxT
308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtLyfX2sqWo
Eve nodded enthusiastically. 308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgf3bhQcb25
308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCZHOXAtMWy
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.308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP5kZRpOqGL
308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLHGKvBOEfa
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.”308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlzZTzai6Vz
308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9DKQO5cbal
Rob frowned. “Going? It’s 3 AM.” 308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf4hu1wbTnO
308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxLwLKvjfPH
“Yeah, so?” She stood, her carefree grin unwavering. 308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFeBU1oqldj
308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx4wpyUJgAk
“You’re staying here tonight,” Celine said firmly. 308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3UXVneAuw1
308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB8XMPRzRHf
Eve hesitated, her expression flickering for a moment. “Fine, thanks.” 308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU2JUhsmSxp
308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ffJh8LqhD
She headed straight to the guestroom, leaving Rob and Celine bewildered and concerned. They went back to bed, their thoughts racing.308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXyalWqFZtv
308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFFQppPMs0w
December 30, 2024308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo0zcXpii82
8:02 AM308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnjM8bGUOfN
When Rob and Celine woke up, they were surprised to find Eve already making breakfast, standing by the stove with a bright smile.308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiGq28BUU3h
308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvkD83IsAZM
“Good morning, sleepyheads! I made breakfast. Figured it was the least I could do after crashing here uninvited,” she said cheerfully. 308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQwJ8SSOb04
308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTVoZgQEiQ1
As they sat down, Eve wiped the silver knife she used while making breakfast with a towel. “Well, I’ve gotta get going.”308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFFpt5c1ozd
308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKFPuqXpCOd
“You’re leaving already?” Celine asked. 308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxP4qUBbpjs
308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfFGzwzRiJ4
“Yeah, got a few places to be.” 308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIy4P5EvfhY
308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF45D057Ykf
“Wait,” Rob said, disappearing into the bedroom. He returned with some cash. 308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT9lzufl6e4
308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo3fe6sY0QC
When he entered the kitchen, he found Celine holding Eve’s hands in prayer. 308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIPpHmk4Ksx
308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsLlrMEVUCL
“...Amen,” Celine finished. “Will you join us at church tomorrow? It’s the last service of the year.” 308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLGzHJUqVVh
308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfHTXbnOZLG
Eve hesitated, then nodded. “Yeah, of course… I’ll be there.”308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMNrGhRsytQ
308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuqu61L5NRc
Rob handed her the money. “Here, take a cab home, and keep the rest.” 308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoI2wfb31kF
308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFB6j8uPXqD
“Aww, Robby, you didn’t have to… Thanks. Take care. See you tomorrow.” 308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwgATgdyENK
308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6jY1to5m1u
She left, the smell of bacon and eggs lingering in her wake.308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkNRGjrLnGq
308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFcDlz2dP5x
12:22 PM308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWfJJDot7al
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.308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuTnl8JTYpt
308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbwQOBw36TP
Two minutes later, she went out, her expression lighter, almost joyful. She walked back to her house.
When she stepped inside, it was308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzSENvALUhh
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. 308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKjhIgbXJkR
308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDb72gWzxSD
“We should try convincing her to move in with us again,” Celine said suddenly.308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRHD3rx0v2y
308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ67eob7wtoD
“Huh?” 308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgLt0kc6TCD
308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVTpEW4T4Rz
“Eve. She’s been living alone for five months now, and she’s unemployed. She shouldn’t be on her own,” Celine said. 308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeonArRuzs6
308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtVoHE3ACoo
“Yeah… Maybe she’ll be more willing to start fresh next year.” 308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7LoHY8Jc2P
308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGuOm106Y2k
“I’ll talk to her after the service tomorrow. She likes me more, so she might agree.” 308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ464j3sZn0b
308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6NfOiOa9Ea
“Ha! She’s my sister, you know.” 308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFIrgiuaany
308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBItFX3U5Xg
Celine smiled. “Exactly. That’s why she’ll listen to me.”308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxrw8vZzURO
308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1rTMTRCPjN
December 31, 2024308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu6bhWuey3b
10:01 AM308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvA3tQWqPIz
“Where is she?”308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO2cNCBxcEx
Celine wondered, glancing toward the church doors each time they creaked open.308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjsTtfNYJ0i
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.
308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqqKBpDWwBR
1st January 2025308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4BQlqiL9MV
9:09 AM308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFRfkkCO1y0
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. 308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Kz5egXOtZ
308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWMNSEBjmxx
308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgNGmTD378Y
308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZnKCCbMDSQ
308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv5hO6Afwuk
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.” 308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJJ52fts3kh
308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhOU06nyZSC
“But my stomach is too flat,” Eve said, her voice rising. “There should still be some hidden sign of pregnancy.”308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIgZvxfHXzZ
308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs1ueiHC2m3
“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—”308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhB3AFeHcBb
308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR6gFeLYQBK
Lucy hesitated. “The most humane option would be to terminate the pregnancy now.” 308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHGh9l93AeB
308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxM338qpv4z
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?” 308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr0pI5ePRq0
308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqev3e80U3B
Eve burst into tears, the overwhelming emotions pouring out in uncontrollable sobs. Rob immediately leaned in, wrapping his arms around her.308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeHD6DJWnZv
308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJy53zryGwF
“Celine, could I speak with you outside for a moment?” Lucy asked, and Celine reluctantly followed her out. 308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZudunZUAxC
308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaxdv9eZg2W
“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—” 308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3vID48B520
308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLPQGbZ6ExQ
“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.” 308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl6iXGkoG9X
308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8d4yvQDpQR
Lucy sighed. “I apologize if I’ve spoken out of place. I’ll leave you all to discuss this on your own.”308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYTDOiaRq8H
308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgGnDl8VXGs
Wthout another word, Lucy turned and walked away, leaving Celine standing in the hallway.308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGQdTpm4bcm
308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ150xwSjdFb
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. 308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmgG1umu0hT
308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfRmMpQQfy0
“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.” 308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLyfosBcwtt
308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpowGgoMNzS
Eve nodded, her face pale and tear-streaked.308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtxdWMAs7JB
308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg7T0h3Mnki
11:11 AM308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj7OnXQyHPL
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.308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlcOeziohPs
308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJMPmaunrxM
The house was filled with an oppressive silence, broken only by Eve’s muffled sobs. 308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3N0iRuYFSV
308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWyVgAsKSAN
Eve’s New Year began with a crash, leaving her to wonder how(if ever) she could pick up the pieces.308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2RszVC5yVV
308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr8YAxGmFC5
308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNM13Za6Pgc
2nd January 2025308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHBcWDztLrY
6:56 AM308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzoweu8Y9D0
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.308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkqyLwvarOE
308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB6xb3oFDgU
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. 308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLFKRPGeiys
308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyiLyO30Lbp
“Eve?” 308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwfKPm3SsuK
308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5buUtcJFec
Eve flinched and looked up, her face pale and sweat-soaked. “Robby…” she mumbled, the clip falling from her shaky fingers. 308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZxvn6gZ3JO
308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwpVofMOW6n
“What are you doing?” he asked, stepping closer. 308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡywctytOdu5
308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUP67g5XqiR
“I’m... Psh!... I just needed some air,” she stammered, trying to sound casual. 308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7YVtYAk9tC
308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡasj95Uf5vw
“Air?” 308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC2IOSyzLJs
308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7KHSrBBvtO
“Yeah... I couldn’t find the key, and I didn’t want to wake you or Celine.”308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNlaLqDd6Cp
308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMkDHekJklJ
...308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlw3AJnClYM
308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVv8nJVWuny
“You’re having withdrawals?”308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp62ZFNavGH
308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1qUyzWIKce
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.” 308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmTZKddVrvc
308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhrkO9I7lde
“Eve, no. You can’t—”308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8P55Gn1ZgW
308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy1atKpmdh7
“I need it!” she cried, cutting him off. “I’m not a child, Robby. Just open the door! I’m dying!” 308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMcnZtzisjZ
308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8m04zDIQ7D
“Eve, I don’t—” 308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6BN4YLJB1A
308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdQQNdP2Dkq
“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!” 308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmbvOS0BgdB
308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlqTt2KRuBU
Rob stayed silent, simply watching her. 308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHHpTAqy8Qr
308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXXpG1439Uh
“Fuck!” she screamed, kicking the door hard. “Open the fucking door, Robby!” 308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmjEjNSd1Fz
308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyvaFkEY5oh
He remained quiet.308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp8RPXWBZZ7
308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaO45fJJBco
“Fuck!” she kicked again.308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeDqnjWBIU7
“Fuck!” another kick.308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡplEb8iqRGK
“Fuck!”308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlMChUMICmP
308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzVUNk8JdkP
“Fuck!”308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ZDf6KlgCZ
308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxm7PrWlfDp
“Fuck!”308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtBYWqyUrIB
308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfpPJoh5WrE
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.308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkC6ytk83eQ
308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAZAs96rXF8
For a moment, she stood there, taking deep, ragged breaths. “I’m sorry.” 308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrwxSXMXWSh
308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlcyZs6bJHY
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.” 308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgLI9FL72T2
308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRKWna4oXoC
“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.”308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQp4DqdTzWC
308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCgnUcmDsG2
“Then you’re doing a shit job, because I am dying, right in front of you! But you won’t open the door!” 308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGEVh2TzbjR
308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsH18mlHvL3
Rob didn’t respond. 308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3JVYX3viBK
308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ10RLDWwkCo
“Fuck!” she screamed, grabbing a white plate from the table and threw it at him.308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbZP2Sewyvt
308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwWUZblXu35
Rob ducked, but the plate shattered against the wall behind him, and a shard grazed his cheek. 308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc6UCz5MZGN
308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwpKnhz9IhK
“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?” 308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt8MrVrGyCu
308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC7stSNZxsz
“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!” 308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCViqbXsZoB
308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVYdZZYriUN
Celine turned to her, “He can’t open the door, Eve. I took the key.” 308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHWhQATjTQO
308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo0tTVRyV2V
“What?” 308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbF24SXtQbE
308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGMbsW83Eaa
“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.”308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvW5YtxxRay
308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFkniBZCxri
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—” 308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnjys1BwD6u
308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6SufevCXtj
“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!” 308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlA4xS2JLLv
308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr1BtOkpGky
She turned abruptly towards the kitchen counter. Her trembling hand grabbed a silver knife. She held it tightly, pointing it toward them. 308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwQlfsVLirU
308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTobbMD6ItF
“I killed my baby...” she said. “What the fuck do you know about pain like this?” 308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI8qUNK7Cod
308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCkgPlTYyxJ
The room fell silent. Rob’s jaw tightened, his gaze dropping for a moment before he finally spoke.308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlKGgdEB2Rs
308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZV4GUXiZ5I
“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.” 308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmba2Rl1L0E
308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1xRRG5MeLW
“Don’t come any closer!” she screamed, tears streaking her face. 308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG2iSjGy1kp
308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡODR1VgziBn
“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.”308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnO2mPaMgOe
308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKttSfN4r5Y
She shook her head, tears streaming down her face. 308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTkJbcgmR35
308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4fVzV66DAK
“It’s fine if you hurt me,” Rob said as he took another step forward. “But please, Eve... stop trying to hurt yourself.” 308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIJByWMq07n
308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡea9DKlun6A
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.308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxX3aVpG40B
308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6MOJflfftW
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.308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSKyuZFYAzt
308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOrWRKF8PDq
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.308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyoAw0Cit56
308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6owPnFvO1Y
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.308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmAJWSOu4U8
308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzdxGzIaiff
And then, four months later, she gave birth.308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdIXXENWsET
308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFRksYMqYt3
To a perfectly healthy baby girl.308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡellNOUGag3
308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpXFYRaLUy0
We named her Grace.308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKflppCXv4p
308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl1CUF4jeE8
The End.308Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1IEjwFE19r
