x
BANG BANG BANG*
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Rob squinted at his phone. 3:33 AM.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCpUsC7fyi8
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“Rob…?” his wife mumbled, half-asleep. 261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO3N7QMRQPk
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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. 261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVuc85RCAA6
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BANG BANG BANG*261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFIF1Xe9YXR
The knocking didn’t let up.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBQgUzaVnYo
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“Who is it?” Rob called as he approached the door. 261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnIbExmfsMY
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“Robby… it’s me,” came a low, soft voice. 261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡANxTXa11cr
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He opened the door. “Eve?”261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhLQ2CIwDat
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There, standing on his porch, was his younger sister. A smile stretched across her face. 261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGJDro6eCN9
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“Hey, Robby! How ya doin’, bro?” Her tone was light and playful, almost too casual.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3IdFovOE3o
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Before Rob could respond, Celine’s head peeked around the corner. “Eve?” 261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXpLPNRirzw
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Eve’s grin widened. “Celine! Hi.” 261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLCSx7yKR7Z
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“You’ll catch a cold out here,” Celine said. She reached out and gently pulled Eve inside. 261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsL13MX57qk
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Rob shut the door behind them. “What happened? It’s the middle of the night.” 261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgrtFmTkeIF
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Eve shrugged. “I was taking a walk and thought I’d drop by. Y’know… say hi.” 261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡopvbYRfH0H
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“At 3 AM? It’s a four-hour walk from your house to here!”261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkZIVtT2Qvr
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Eve tilted her head, genuinely perplexed. “Four hours? Huh. Didn’t feel like it.” 261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbeWoRhGI7F
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Rob exchanged a long, wordless look with Celine. Their unspoken thoughts buzzed between them like static. 261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJTyDz0aiWz
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“Are you hungry?” Celine asked, breaking the silence. 261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCLoyz6N7LS
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Eve nodded enthusiastically. 261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCvvuA7TYmN
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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.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNndo64jctg
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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.”261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLmDIFx0Dul
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Rob frowned. “Going? It’s 3 AM.” 261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvtX4bAcI64
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“Yeah, so?” She stood, her carefree grin unwavering. 261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy1xwx2T2WB
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“You’re staying here tonight,” Celine said firmly. 261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzEynUsobex
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Eve hesitated, her expression flickering for a moment. “Fine, thanks.” 261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Ttqx5DAbn
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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.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbQ65RWyaYU
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December 30, 2024261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEtV3K1oi5K
8:02 AM261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlDt8wW6YB5
When Rob and Celine woke up, they were surprised to find Eve already making breakfast, standing by the stove with a bright smile.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXTIjkjCCbZ
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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. 261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMvEkelMpKB
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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.”261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6IlILXumFm
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“You’re leaving already?” Celine asked. 261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMnCnVOSoS9
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“Yeah, got a few places to be.” 261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1lj0rThNbU
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“Wait,” Rob said, disappearing into the bedroom. He returned with some cash. 261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJyFVs8z5uF
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When he entered the kitchen, he found Celine holding Eve’s hands in prayer. 261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5EUzPTQGAe
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“...Amen,” Celine finished. “Will you join us at church tomorrow? It’s the last service of the year.” 261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAZ5YLxGJ7H
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Eve hesitated, then nodded. “Yeah, of course… I’ll be there.”261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgUqHqlojdY
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Rob handed her the money. “Here, take a cab home, and keep the rest.” 261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJgTCsw5Q7s
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“Aww, Robby, you didn’t have to… Thanks. Take care. See you tomorrow.” 261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAzeGKW4tgz
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She left, the smell of bacon and eggs lingering in her wake.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqt1H7LAPOT
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12:22 PM261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbZTaAn0ymB
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.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5j02SpL8Fo
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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 was261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjegVQLdbJF
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. 261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDRcZ6XYkHq
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“We should try convincing her to move in with us again,” Celine said suddenly.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz2t894OMZy
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“Huh?” 261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSUNTGBIABW
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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. 261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGaHATOI9Ro
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“Yeah… Maybe she’ll be more willing to start fresh next year.” 261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB9nPUrIP4h
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“I’ll talk to her after the service tomorrow. She likes me more, so she might agree.” 261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3qUo4Ff52D
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“Ha! She’s my sister, you know.” 261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdGmePflMFe
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Celine smiled. “Exactly. That’s why she’ll listen to me.”261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJbVXdCKWRd
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December 31, 2024261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSeO1GbP9dJ
10:01 AM261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD0D4LSyMOO
“Where is she?”261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrgLkRtp6EH
Celine wondered, glancing toward the church doors each time they creaked open.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl72x1DPB7Q
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 2025261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuJ0GsJmU1t
9:09 AM261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeb2FmOKAzS
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. 261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnj0x45JOdR
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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.” 261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHfgIU4lvS9
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“But my stomach is too flat,” Eve said, her voice rising. “There should still be some hidden sign of pregnancy.”261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRLNJnSdzFn
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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—”261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ41LMHSylMF
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Lucy hesitated. “The most humane option would be to terminate the pregnancy now.” 261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfzsFDSiKc7
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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?” 261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5GX5w9gFex
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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.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVzSDF8CEaS
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“Celine, could I speak with you outside for a moment?” Lucy asked, and Celine reluctantly followed her out. 261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgTqGKcnaBW
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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—” 261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡevogObjvwT
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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.” 261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQNcyc1a8LE
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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.”261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRuhLRMMyVo
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Wthout another word, Lucy turned and walked away, leaving Celine standing in the hallway.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7WNAnW82sK
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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. 261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2nfiMRbBo4
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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.” 261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVP6Q1DRCFF
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Eve nodded, her face pale and tear-streaked.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMRY6Jtu2EV
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11:11 AM261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡosX9gAYklf
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.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcEajqIxUTr
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The house was filled with an oppressive silence, broken only by Eve’s muffled sobs. 261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK4cDdnWqkJ
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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.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmOUznhVBQG
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2nd January 2025261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNL3gWmEHEH
6:56 AM261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQCLjaLuHRd
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.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHwNLYNOy3l
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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. 261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡth2NuIpeke
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“Eve?” 261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCeQVV2S8mT
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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. 261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnzrz1EggMT
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“What are you doing?” he asked, stepping closer. 261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF0GF8rumKi
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“I’m... Psh!... I just needed some air,” she stammered, trying to sound casual. 261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMTQoqmsWgA
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“Air?” 261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEXS9HA0owp
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“Yeah... I couldn’t find the key, and I didn’t want to wake you or Celine.”261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnq9hXd7yGw
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...261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkf6jR6SgJv
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“You’re having withdrawals?”261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdQBlfXpzRT
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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.” 261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVsUHLpK6RC
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“Eve, no. You can’t—”261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ49fUPP249s
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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!” 261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVat8DWQEW9
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“Eve, I don’t—” 261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR7NKZNP5eC
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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!” 261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk20cxVyeGB
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Rob stayed silent, simply watching her. 261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHQdSFvfEAI
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“Fuck!” she screamed, kicking the door hard. “Open the fucking door, Robby!” 261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwiDokoKvmA
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He remained quiet.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnSJqUvTcdA
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“Fuck!” she kicked again.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwi5ZJlpFqr
“Fuck!” another kick.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJKE0Tv40sb
“Fuck!”261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM367X5UFG4
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“Fuck!”261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlnkAeIQA2c
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“Fuck!”261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv45ieqVYuz
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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.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7TJamG0FEu
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For a moment, she stood there, taking deep, ragged breaths. “I’m sorry.” 261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLVsY3z8wgs
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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.” 261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfGdmUm02xy
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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.”261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd3mF4xzu8Q
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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!” 261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtsOTfoeavQ
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Rob didn’t respond. 261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5yakjgd1mV
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“Fuck!” she screamed, grabbing a white plate from the table and threw it at him.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHElsybvm8E
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Rob ducked, but the plate shattered against the wall behind him, and a shard grazed his cheek. 261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVQIhkuEkNs
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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?” 261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhgwot9Ruaa
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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!” 261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0shWg29Gvj
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Celine turned to her, “He can’t open the door, Eve. I took the key.” 261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD9rdw1GJmc
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“What?” 261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN0NwUAqK4j
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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.”261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJvfnx3c1cA
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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—” 261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVKXZ3oDsXi
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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!” 261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFru7jXKbRo
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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. 261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiYAwUVGMuS
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“I killed my baby...” she said. “What the fuck do you know about pain like this?” 261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnR5QjDUvnE
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The room fell silent. Rob’s jaw tightened, his gaze dropping for a moment before he finally spoke.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Fv2udKLcj
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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.” 261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoaxQG1ZaiZ
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“Don’t come any closer!” she screamed, tears streaking her face. 261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuP7i4VEVPi
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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.”261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDUDGsBSibi
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She shook her head, tears streaming down her face. 261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoehpMyXpN4
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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.” 261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡarly8vDy5X
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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.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡICqrzNMUtL
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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.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYe9wNwbmWx
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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.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKdbDDGHMPx
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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.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPBh5JagsXy
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And then, four months later, she gave birth.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJcpnS6ktxm
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To a perfectly healthy baby girl.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcnSyn7dumj
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We named her Grace.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6LezhvpApO
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The End.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNRCAn53dka
