x
BANG BANG BANG*
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Rob squinted at his phone. 3:33 AM.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKK1SNpkCEl
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“Rob…?” his wife mumbled, half-asleep. 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU8TR6LZtEy
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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. 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD3wDV1BuKQ
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BANG BANG BANG*361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxYIDuTX14z
The knocking didn’t let up.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdi2QismzTH
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“Who is it?” Rob called as he approached the door. 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJQKpkQ8wq6
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“Robby… it’s me,” came a low, soft voice. 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2QheIijZRu
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He opened the door. “Eve?”361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuiJSoxZTOF
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There, standing on his porch, was his younger sister. A smile stretched across her face. 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Niq4B4jqD
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“Hey, Robby! How ya doin’, bro?” Her tone was light and playful, almost too casual.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdQURWhSr25
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Before Rob could respond, Celine’s head peeked around the corner. “Eve?” 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfIzoNBTgt8
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Eve’s grin widened. “Celine! Hi.” 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhxaRbwpRKb
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“You’ll catch a cold out here,” Celine said. She reached out and gently pulled Eve inside. 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfT7XotorzY
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Rob shut the door behind them. “What happened? It’s the middle of the night.” 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7islrNdFEL
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Eve shrugged. “I was taking a walk and thought I’d drop by. Y’know… say hi.” 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrkr0zvtzZP
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“At 3 AM? It’s a four-hour walk from your house to here!”361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw6mdLxlFwU
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Eve tilted her head, genuinely perplexed. “Four hours? Huh. Didn’t feel like it.” 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW5srhmkeFP
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Rob exchanged a long, wordless look with Celine. Their unspoken thoughts buzzed between them like static. 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgcpdWZUmDc
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“Are you hungry?” Celine asked, breaking the silence. 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7sUq2av8fN
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Eve nodded enthusiastically. 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvcwpyKlOk2
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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.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡONuEUeBDVl
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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.”361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzdBFoupKOQ
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Rob frowned. “Going? It’s 3 AM.” 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfFmJl2OzFF
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“Yeah, so?” She stood, her carefree grin unwavering. 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbm72YwfYsv
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“You’re staying here tonight,” Celine said firmly. 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxxkHrGboDl
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Eve hesitated, her expression flickering for a moment. “Fine, thanks.” 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡosOYh4Lc3Z
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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.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNgyrmOaUVJ
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December 30, 2024361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNIv3by9kKZ
8:02 AM361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiXk2EhL6vk
When Rob and Celine woke up, they were surprised to find Eve already making breakfast, standing by the stove with a bright smile.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡThGDUrepHH
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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. 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ly08UEyiG
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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.”361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQHJanXvO6u
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“You’re leaving already?” Celine asked. 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeI6mdre2rb
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“Yeah, got a few places to be.” 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaSoM0wbiw4
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“Wait,” Rob said, disappearing into the bedroom. He returned with some cash. 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB86DNl6DwM
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When he entered the kitchen, he found Celine holding Eve’s hands in prayer. 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX4QGPgvSbv
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“...Amen,” Celine finished. “Will you join us at church tomorrow? It’s the last service of the year.” 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMG5CtbNmBY
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Eve hesitated, then nodded. “Yeah, of course… I’ll be there.”361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY602g2XhOJ
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Rob handed her the money. “Here, take a cab home, and keep the rest.” 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8FnQLulSwZ
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“Aww, Robby, you didn’t have to… Thanks. Take care. See you tomorrow.” 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGy9x2Du8FR
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She left, the smell of bacon and eggs lingering in her wake.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhuWgFwmvHd
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12:22 PM361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAnWYQSHfvk
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.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrGXRG3wqlH
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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 was361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh3kCnak6id
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. 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAMqsVSnE2z
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“We should try convincing her to move in with us again,” Celine said suddenly.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡygVhjWnRPG
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“Huh?” 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsFE2njD9HZ
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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. 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgdHsBVFdMB
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“Yeah… Maybe she’ll be more willing to start fresh next year.” 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPz0zikwSgA
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“I’ll talk to her after the service tomorrow. She likes me more, so she might agree.” 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkhSkGpbBIo
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“Ha! She’s my sister, you know.” 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡerhljbvajc
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Celine smiled. “Exactly. That’s why she’ll listen to me.”361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMUb15fZxIL
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December 31, 2024361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHLkQKAFg1w
10:01 AM361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSVRfAdQwSD
“Where is she?”361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTuCoFtWTZG
Celine wondered, glancing toward the church doors each time they creaked open.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡImceIwjgti
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 2025361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtXu9BB0k6P
9:09 AM361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnkYsTFIFhh
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. 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcIj7rtEmPb
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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.” 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzsKRFWw7uP
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“But my stomach is too flat,” Eve said, her voice rising. “There should still be some hidden sign of pregnancy.”361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNdrOOLxFMY
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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—”361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyAJFZOcTP5
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Lucy hesitated. “The most humane option would be to terminate the pregnancy now.” 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzVcdatskw5
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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?” 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5W2bHvpU8L
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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.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuALQbMhYqV
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“Celine, could I speak with you outside for a moment?” Lucy asked, and Celine reluctantly followed her out. 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA542kDXBv4
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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—” 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeqhHVLPvBb
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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.” 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpYNXbDEwIh
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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.”361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC5ePMO5Fvh
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Wthout another word, Lucy turned and walked away, leaving Celine standing in the hallway.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Sae69i2XT
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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. 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu4Qhl9Rt8O
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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.” 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlmSUhZHEW1
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Eve nodded, her face pale and tear-streaked.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNZ7UXVlPSZ
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11:11 AM361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOzsOyPWlAd
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.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJlU1kG7afY
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The house was filled with an oppressive silence, broken only by Eve’s muffled sobs. 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNrGjzpCcvk
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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.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPjofXQm4ei
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2nd January 2025361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTtTy1SdDrL
6:56 AM361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0WlZTvYLdC
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.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGfKnAEfWMj
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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. 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7QySXkvIOC
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“Eve?” 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7EAKnNCtSZ
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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. 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ18Om1o1UU5
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“What are you doing?” he asked, stepping closer. 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8dQ88doNTi
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“I’m... Psh!... I just needed some air,” she stammered, trying to sound casual. 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡexOLna8pHb
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“Air?” 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2vHnAonYzM
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“Yeah... I couldn’t find the key, and I didn’t want to wake you or Celine.”361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuFNiZwB1je
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...361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzNVxATKqng
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“You’re having withdrawals?”361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWxvi9dCXrl
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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.” 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHTOX2RBwnN
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“Eve, no. You can’t—”361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiklBfdcdzr
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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!” 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡopmIvyMfsC
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“Eve, I don’t—” 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJJlVLmebHB
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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!” 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZoiDVryoxb
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Rob stayed silent, simply watching her. 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDnUwax2kaa
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“Fuck!” she screamed, kicking the door hard. “Open the fucking door, Robby!” 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOepSv2j8LT
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He remained quiet.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXEDpHafap9
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“Fuck!” she kicked again.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡATby40XASr
“Fuck!” another kick.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzq8c2pqNMM
“Fuck!”361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4cCB0Zorra
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“Fuck!”361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi2ZU5zg7so
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“Fuck!”361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt9WiUSd450
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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.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpEQE4y3Rom
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For a moment, she stood there, taking deep, ragged breaths. “I’m sorry.” 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOnNlAK18pS
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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.” 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEctzXjlilL
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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.”361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXir4i3DuFZ
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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!” 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Vu0YfbXej
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Rob didn’t respond. 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcXYnRI732H
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“Fuck!” she screamed, grabbing a white plate from the table and threw it at him.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd7tCQUia9h
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Rob ducked, but the plate shattered against the wall behind him, and a shard grazed his cheek. 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCWYodJdWJl
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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?” 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcUo16YjiHA
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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!” 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz9CJEezGmY
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Celine turned to her, “He can’t open the door, Eve. I took the key.” 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm6AXSOljZE
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“What?” 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqWIqab33C8
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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.”361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkwse1xRMNY
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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—” 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT1kUGdhC9Q
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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!” 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnRRbsYgnUg
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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. 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRIq7axdZFv
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“I killed my baby...” she said. “What the fuck do you know about pain like this?” 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQR5dY2tw2b
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The room fell silent. Rob’s jaw tightened, his gaze dropping for a moment before he finally spoke.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYYo40kONHI
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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.” 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuVfiF34qbQ
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“Don’t come any closer!” she screamed, tears streaking her face. 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgbQIpZ6gWr
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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.”361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoYX0uYSwtJ
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She shook her head, tears streaming down her face. 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvalqEEshpn
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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.” 361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwtebuTmAB6
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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.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyR17I1MCca
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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.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqv8UwPjv6T
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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.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNp7pkB6KH0
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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.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrunRb2g6KX
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And then, four months later, she gave birth.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3GQGCg0J6d
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To a perfectly healthy baby girl.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVXfXmvp8ja
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We named her Grace.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGX0ZnbdfDO
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The End.361Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdLnFaO0m5p
