x
BANG BANG BANG*
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Rob squinted at his phone. 3:33 AM.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKXkSNqoDla
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“Rob…?” his wife mumbled, half-asleep. 266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAqYP2DBDpA
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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. 266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7v0zxCb9zp
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BANG BANG BANG*266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR0dQ0OJg59
The knocking didn’t let up.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡapGXWyLT2U
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“Who is it?” Rob called as he approached the door. 266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7keI8FcQwx
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“Robby… it’s me,” came a low, soft voice. 266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWILy0pcrWK
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He opened the door. “Eve?”266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡac4sRVgxkl
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There, standing on his porch, was his younger sister. A smile stretched across her face. 266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeA5Efl8GDj
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“Hey, Robby! How ya doin’, bro?” Her tone was light and playful, almost too casual.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzJS5dpYqD7
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Before Rob could respond, Celine’s head peeked around the corner. “Eve?” 266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ZGYRqWDyF
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Eve’s grin widened. “Celine! Hi.” 266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhqiUySH3vB
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“You’ll catch a cold out here,” Celine said. She reached out and gently pulled Eve inside. 266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrcFLAeFeMa
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Rob shut the door behind them. “What happened? It’s the middle of the night.” 266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXwqMdHtMrx
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Eve shrugged. “I was taking a walk and thought I’d drop by. Y’know… say hi.” 266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiZm87RCTjp
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“At 3 AM? It’s a four-hour walk from your house to here!”266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiiddXizaKt
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Eve tilted her head, genuinely perplexed. “Four hours? Huh. Didn’t feel like it.” 266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSbQJsJV1XI
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Rob exchanged a long, wordless look with Celine. Their unspoken thoughts buzzed between them like static. 266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOQqFgvtvms
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“Are you hungry?” Celine asked, breaking the silence. 266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7VatybQjfa
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Eve nodded enthusiastically. 266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw2wnuNGt1r
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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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu1tSm7nNDX
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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.”266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ1omVjN1cb
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Rob frowned. “Going? It’s 3 AM.” 266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjA8K4pvsQk
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“Yeah, so?” She stood, her carefree grin unwavering. 266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFxcsZlunSQ
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“You’re staying here tonight,” Celine said firmly. 266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBo8IvpIcvB
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Eve hesitated, her expression flickering for a moment. “Fine, thanks.” 266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV8YuyIuQQu
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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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqJGNBEVDpf
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December 30, 2024266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsoymK3gAaL
8:02 AM266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkiRoSfdOfa
When Rob and Celine woke up, they were surprised to find Eve already making breakfast, standing by the stove with a bright smile.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBJsKO8Wisv
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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. 266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ70ULgZcvaF
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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.”266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWun5K0Eoun
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“You’re leaving already?” Celine asked. 266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9bdK3wGgPY
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“Yeah, got a few places to be.” 266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZGmFi69WBC
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“Wait,” Rob said, disappearing into the bedroom. He returned with some cash. 266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡduDyClgH2k
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When he entered the kitchen, he found Celine holding Eve’s hands in prayer. 266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAk2uoiDRyt
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“...Amen,” Celine finished. “Will you join us at church tomorrow? It’s the last service of the year.” 266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRI1FcbUqux
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Eve hesitated, then nodded. “Yeah, of course… I’ll be there.”266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBFrVC0QMg6
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Rob handed her the money. “Here, take a cab home, and keep the rest.” 266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIuhrmZN38A
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“Aww, Robby, you didn’t have to… Thanks. Take care. See you tomorrow.” 266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4C7vFnPGXJ
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She left, the smell of bacon and eggs lingering in her wake.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡizTrPRnyMw
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12:22 PM266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡse0f6KxTlO
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE0OG25p20h
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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 was266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuv852pC6PK
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. 266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡajz288TMYk
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“We should try convincing her to move in with us again,” Celine said suddenly.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc1eHt6xpDP
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“Huh?” 266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr2AIyoxyxP
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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. 266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxAZzi1iQLz
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“Yeah… Maybe she’ll be more willing to start fresh next year.” 266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9WJHxjHWkR
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“I’ll talk to her after the service tomorrow. She likes me more, so she might agree.” 266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvu0cXNepAO
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“Ha! She’s my sister, you know.” 266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT07O9i4G5h
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Celine smiled. “Exactly. That’s why she’ll listen to me.”266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL3yJLyaGxU
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December 31, 2024266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5gvYw8y0sI
10:01 AM266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzQCSpRlsS8
“Where is she?”266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8RYBQ37xDK
Celine wondered, glancing toward the church doors each time they creaked open.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG4HYBIZIwh
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 2025266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsNM1FzXfkP
9:09 AM266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDbwUJx247e
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. 266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡclh8AlXCZy
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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.” 266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNyY41oEIAP
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“But my stomach is too flat,” Eve said, her voice rising. “There should still be some hidden sign of pregnancy.”266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTgXNLlJqaP
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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—”266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHQb333fndx
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Lucy hesitated. “The most humane option would be to terminate the pregnancy now.” 266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8J2WZcsUwy
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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?” 266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJHs12seX6m
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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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9EtYcmXqUL
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“Celine, could I speak with you outside for a moment?” Lucy asked, and Celine reluctantly followed her out. 266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVjK1PQJmze
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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—” 266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡajp6OwKPTr
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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.” 266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHF12s6dBpe
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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.”266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqOeTQybnEe
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Wthout another word, Lucy turned and walked away, leaving Celine standing in the hallway.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUHLRCvByNX
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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. 266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy5DRp4ytrN
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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.” 266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpJLBLuCx1s
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Eve nodded, her face pale and tear-streaked.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDTlQ2Q1sKL
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11:11 AM266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl4ZgMK9kur
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs6HhcRusEl
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The house was filled with an oppressive silence, broken only by Eve’s muffled sobs. 266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIJ2VZpg23P
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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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK6Qjqs9XLk
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2nd January 2025266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeWOLWycoE3
6:56 AM266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPB3cRTQPKr
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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlAqKD6hqIq
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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. 266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIBE2DORXzW
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“Eve?” 266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVYSWR7Jalo
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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. 266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVeUX0DDaCc
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“What are you doing?” he asked, stepping closer. 266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG8L7izuuBE
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“I’m... Psh!... I just needed some air,” she stammered, trying to sound casual. 266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8RY01IKYm1
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“Air?” 266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs0F937GXep
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“Yeah... I couldn’t find the key, and I didn’t want to wake you or Celine.”266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAeTSdUgtqA
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...266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCOSt3uVj2d
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“You’re having withdrawals?”266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ42KXf6DUNu
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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.” 266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS5T3xS3fvV
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“Eve, no. You can’t—”266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ06bgsoIeVE
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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!” 266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6eVAJ2rqhI
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“Eve, I don’t—” 266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyCknQLdEVj
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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!” 266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb5IgNHscDU
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Rob stayed silent, simply watching her. 266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5lKC8wkBh7
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“Fuck!” she screamed, kicking the door hard. “Open the fucking door, Robby!” 266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8i65aVYlhB
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He remained quiet.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCPtDFx9dlC
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“Fuck!” she kicked again.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnamau7gG3J
“Fuck!” another kick.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO8Uz225ufg
“Fuck!”266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJprUBEYFNP
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“Fuck!”266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyHpzxiuPi0
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“Fuck!”266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpvWA91LjkV
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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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9s9My0KWkr
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For a moment, she stood there, taking deep, ragged breaths. “I’m sorry.” 266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwg9muQ1SJK
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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.” 266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUyTXgDBdPY
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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.”266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkxVAiTN6Jc
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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!” 266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUZ3TQgbmM9
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Rob didn’t respond. 266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpN9ogMaWLF
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“Fuck!” she screamed, grabbing a white plate from the table and threw it at him.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO9gFNNUh2I
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Rob ducked, but the plate shattered against the wall behind him, and a shard grazed his cheek. 266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCm6n1jFnqh
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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?” 266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡswFU3avVMv
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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!” 266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQeJ3Wmusdq
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Celine turned to her, “He can’t open the door, Eve. I took the key.” 266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD0DU0E1lax
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“What?” 266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpu6gEDC0Rx
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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.”266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhVURyho33J
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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—” 266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf9yUdxdlOj
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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!” 266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ30VLoFixLY
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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. 266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡetwSishtBp
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“I killed my baby...” she said. “What the fuck do you know about pain like this?” 266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGnuYWkN2sW
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The room fell silent. Rob’s jaw tightened, his gaze dropping for a moment before he finally spoke.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFbFFACNBzc
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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.” 266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNraP5LGQdC
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“Don’t come any closer!” she screamed, tears streaking her face. 266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf1KG2JVzJZ
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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.”266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBjPRdKKUJc
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She shook her head, tears streaming down her face. 266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQfXabQlxIW
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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.” 266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdMEAodANFv
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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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Lds2rLy4V
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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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtNEC3aGqNP
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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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1GuFbkLnKh
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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.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8irPW1aTQU
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And then, four months later, she gave birth.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDGteUYJQfp
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To a perfectly healthy baby girl.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk45ospqMj6
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We named her Grace.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoioNLGXRnJ
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The End.266Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJdBcTv7hfM
