x
BANG BANG BANG*
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Rob squinted at his phone. 3:33 AM.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTQVRd2E2g5
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“Rob…?” his wife mumbled, half-asleep. 242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnQLAky5FW0
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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. 242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2mXuZqDIkd
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BANG BANG BANG*242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJbMGaQuR6q
The knocking didn’t let up.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOrQ73bCONG
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“Who is it?” Rob called as he approached the door. 242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnBLt8d4qgR
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“Robby… it’s me,” came a low, soft voice. 242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ97mf0hlC3G
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He opened the door. “Eve?”242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUVkcvpMNKI
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There, standing on his porch, was his younger sister. A smile stretched across her face. 242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡug7vd8tmms
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“Hey, Robby! How ya doin’, bro?” Her tone was light and playful, almost too casual.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRX6VLiB7WT
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Before Rob could respond, Celine’s head peeked around the corner. “Eve?” 242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP6Ig9MoCiZ
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1TKJNxGWnM
Eve’s grin widened. “Celine! Hi.” 242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEQSTbPjc3y
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVkgbAeyG76
“You’ll catch a cold out here,” Celine said. She reached out and gently pulled Eve inside. 242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7hJcV3Rl2H
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Rob shut the door behind them. “What happened? It’s the middle of the night.” 242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqGlFhXLdNN
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Eve shrugged. “I was taking a walk and thought I’d drop by. Y’know… say hi.” 242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡINHBl8SJNm
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“At 3 AM? It’s a four-hour walk from your house to here!”242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUxkbJgtpqR
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Eve tilted her head, genuinely perplexed. “Four hours? Huh. Didn’t feel like it.” 242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUGOI0pmgeN
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Rob exchanged a long, wordless look with Celine. Their unspoken thoughts buzzed between them like static. 242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdM5PsN1M1A
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“Are you hungry?” Celine asked, breaking the silence. 242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJuKrC5Nu9a
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Eve nodded enthusiastically. 242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7uTbJx0V59
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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.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKUuQZomP74
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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.”242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7xoSYhl7Hb
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Rob frowned. “Going? It’s 3 AM.” 242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMOrXXZ2m62
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“Yeah, so?” She stood, her carefree grin unwavering. 242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLfu1Y9dVDz
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“You’re staying here tonight,” Celine said firmly. 242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Il50Bjuyj
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Eve hesitated, her expression flickering for a moment. “Fine, thanks.” 242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLfANuyhwGM
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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.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuP7JUYxDIk
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December 30, 2024242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqubq6MzIeY
8:02 AM242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv3pA6fgm8v
When Rob and Celine woke up, they were surprised to find Eve already making breakfast, standing by the stove with a bright smile.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9OSmTRVdb4
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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. 242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTkjFPvP15Y
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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.”242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVY79CLy8ri
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“You’re leaving already?” Celine asked. 242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZe9vJEUsDu
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“Yeah, got a few places to be.” 242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ49GsBLLUJ9
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“Wait,” Rob said, disappearing into the bedroom. He returned with some cash. 242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ66QtMu13It
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When he entered the kitchen, he found Celine holding Eve’s hands in prayer. 242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG2uqRBfjOM
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZL313MvsPB
“...Amen,” Celine finished. “Will you join us at church tomorrow? It’s the last service of the year.” 242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAcjIyEM0YG
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Eve hesitated, then nodded. “Yeah, of course… I’ll be there.”242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzwFXuY2bob
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Rob handed her the money. “Here, take a cab home, and keep the rest.” 242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfQnYnDVY6Q
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEGpo2Kr01W
“Aww, Robby, you didn’t have to… Thanks. Take care. See you tomorrow.” 242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbhknlw03wI
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4DpAbVw6MS
She left, the smell of bacon and eggs lingering in her wake.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY1Bq22fMAR
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12:22 PM242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkAQndtc6RD
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.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj6K4JtwoGM
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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 was242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYudOE7ZZC2
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. 242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGPDVO95RMG
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“We should try convincing her to move in with us again,” Celine said suddenly.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdSPRYjgwJ1
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“Huh?” 242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXC9pdHPOTJ
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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. 242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjFnFTw8ebH
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“Yeah… Maybe she’ll be more willing to start fresh next year.” 242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbZ8tmVzXKz
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“I’ll talk to her after the service tomorrow. She likes me more, so she might agree.” 242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPqZB6giPVY
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“Ha! She’s my sister, you know.” 242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXM7sHGG7GJ
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Celine smiled. “Exactly. That’s why she’ll listen to me.”242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOO0NUn0c9J
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December 31, 2024242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUYbzSuo9L6
10:01 AM242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8b0SQtp5AV
“Where is she?”242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnpSevhfeeY
Celine wondered, glancing toward the church doors each time they creaked open.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Bt3ImFFcX
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 2025242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlLh1NKyqks
9:09 AM242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmxPRIyTMpk
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. 242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnDxDrKhIKi
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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.” 242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmeOka6AzwI
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“But my stomach is too flat,” Eve said, her voice rising. “There should still be some hidden sign of pregnancy.”242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwwHvG9Tto5
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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—”242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡomD1AC1uZe
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Lucy hesitated. “The most humane option would be to terminate the pregnancy now.” 242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIXKnPOsWuH
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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?” 242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9EPT8SCQfU
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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.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsJc6RV9nm7
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“Celine, could I speak with you outside for a moment?” Lucy asked, and Celine reluctantly followed her out. 242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSe37mrZrua
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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—” 242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhrax18Rpfj
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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.” 242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeoQHSWIMFh
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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.”242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOm133Y9qo5
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Wthout another word, Lucy turned and walked away, leaving Celine standing in the hallway.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNvOBGwNZ9B
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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. 242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ20YJDfQIzK
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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.” 242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH4pc6kYbkC
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Eve nodded, her face pale and tear-streaked.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxqiQif7is6
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11:11 AM242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNuPddJB3lB
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.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyGBhMqhVir
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The house was filled with an oppressive silence, broken only by Eve’s muffled sobs. 242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡimAdm2NWpT
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBFF7cDQLMw
Eve’s New Year began with a crash, leaving her to wonder how(if ever) she could pick up the pieces.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZxTRfzzTkm
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1YPUFI3KMt
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2nd January 2025242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIJU7oqEXLI
6:56 AM242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE5nplzu6aP
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.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaQHVmIAee4
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWaGMk7worh
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. 242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6fh8oZyi8A
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“Eve?” 242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbri264LDvA
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdrK1FSqgsd
Eve flinched and looked up, her face pale and sweat-soaked. “Robby…” she mumbled, the clip falling from her shaky fingers. 242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaVC0hUxl67
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“What are you doing?” he asked, stepping closer. 242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡENFxNkPfEL
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“I’m... Psh!... I just needed some air,” she stammered, trying to sound casual. 242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLCBvlLLSpJ
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“Air?” 242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzizSPn0eNX
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“Yeah... I couldn’t find the key, and I didn’t want to wake you or Celine.”242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD05y7t2rnH
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgqcIygQaRI
...242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf5iWfGhBYs
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“You’re having withdrawals?”242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnkyNHRj3cv
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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.” 242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqRFUHqB2Xe
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2nhlHfz3iw
“Eve, no. You can’t—”242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbxP3zwUCb3
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDaKhbAGTkA
“I need it!” she cried, cutting him off. “I’m not a child, Robby. Just open the door! I’m dying!” 242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWyQFZXckIw
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“Eve, I don’t—” 242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDFiVGrpSqN
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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!” 242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡagE2IJY62S
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Rob stayed silent, simply watching her. 242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8RKDM8FP30
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“Fuck!” she screamed, kicking the door hard. “Open the fucking door, Robby!” 242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGCHspVbnvc
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He remained quiet.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGJJlU9nyNX
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“Fuck!” she kicked again.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN9vYnMtdxF
“Fuck!” another kick.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3X7OYsWe8C
“Fuck!”242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiOHeEZdNVG
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCxBglXCJKh
“Fuck!”242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN2VAdXPY1Z
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ93VvNXYYtW
“Fuck!”242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSs5SOfvjUV
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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.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXfdhAZOuYs
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For a moment, she stood there, taking deep, ragged breaths. “I’m sorry.” 242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR6C6kIj9yI
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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.” 242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAX4AEqat8W
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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.”242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF9tzKN71VV
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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!” 242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLUewcjFJOA
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Rob didn’t respond. 242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0zMAJ8v986
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“Fuck!” she screamed, grabbing a white plate from the table and threw it at him.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxhXYWiQr3R
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Rob ducked, but the plate shattered against the wall behind him, and a shard grazed his cheek. 242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUwsPuNNnqK
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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?” 242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoEmFc5O2K4
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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!” 242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd5MoLishgX
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Celine turned to her, “He can’t open the door, Eve. I took the key.” 242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ12kysEpYbm
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“What?” 242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk2WV71E2dY
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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.”242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtnCUPh3zTf
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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—” 242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ6iThQSmP1
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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!” 242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaeQpX6F7zi
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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. 242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtipEFeDmxK
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“I killed my baby...” she said. “What the fuck do you know about pain like this?” 242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfTtSG5kON4
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The room fell silent. Rob’s jaw tightened, his gaze dropping for a moment before he finally spoke.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqxmzEJCgiX
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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.” 242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDWSzr2KYQf
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“Don’t come any closer!” she screamed, tears streaking her face. 242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsHwAfTAgKk
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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.”242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡON1fhnpJYV
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She shook her head, tears streaming down her face. 242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqoLF3x3UO2
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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.” 242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1wVrTrQ0QE
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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.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNKjSgc160O
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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.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB6MsLtlRf8
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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.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhQCi2SYJh1
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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.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi17IGuHU8j
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And then, four months later, she gave birth.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe0npQXPG4P
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To a perfectly healthy baby girl.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMp2BddZSCj
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We named her Grace.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwEZUooSS9p
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The End.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe4fpD9fM0p
