x
BANG BANG BANG*
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwIbM2vSxSS
Rob squinted at his phone. 3:33 AM.312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgtz6w7d1AK
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7tbbJ8vpoY
“Rob…?” his wife mumbled, half-asleep. 312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmOxsD6YKpn
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWvKOBihdQq
He leaned over, kissed my forehead, and whispered, “I’ll handle it.” Sliding on his blue nightgown, he got out of bed. 312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMnYqxtQqfG
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHwv8QF8oJB
BANG BANG BANG*312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNDK44H0eqR
The knocking didn’t let up.312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdP98CzcQpJ
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqLHxdgLFlX
“Who is it?” Rob called as he approached the door. 312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyUaTLcmvdw
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp6EBsiOBG2
“Robby… it’s me,” came a low, soft voice. 312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNo1dbxQaoY
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkOyxg4nmfM
He opened the door. “Eve?”312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ikwo9gKAj
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ZPfkffj9g
There, standing on his porch, was his younger sister. A smile stretched across her face. 312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9OXqtQfweU
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZlVKSK2o5a
“Hey, Robby! How ya doin’, bro?” Her tone was light and playful, almost too casual.312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ZV369WgdF
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRFOZsZfAkM
Before Rob could respond, Celine’s head peeked around the corner. “Eve?” 312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRvCNHVH0Hd
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjOS5PRIegs
Eve’s grin widened. “Celine! Hi.” 312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsoweFtm9TB
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1RqLOLrhN8
“You’ll catch a cold out here,” Celine said. She reached out and gently pulled Eve inside. 312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGuKzM7WFCB
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkbCECNEG5s
Rob shut the door behind them. “What happened? It’s the middle of the night.” 312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡECUgsqN1So
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd8WFcioW3B
Eve shrugged. “I was taking a walk and thought I’d drop by. Y’know… say hi.” 312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhV1a0ZDYNS
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvgZyEWOHJV
“At 3 AM? It’s a four-hour walk from your house to here!”312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHWiFEPNtqq
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzwvedXdTRO
Eve tilted her head, genuinely perplexed. “Four hours? Huh. Didn’t feel like it.” 312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeKij2O7a1d
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHdtzGxNLBa
Rob exchanged a long, wordless look with Celine. Their unspoken thoughts buzzed between them like static. 312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBoEBkiQpMK
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs05LFJYqcs
“Are you hungry?” Celine asked, breaking the silence. 312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBRD7awVRA1
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWIBghGdmqB
Eve nodded enthusiastically. 312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYYp9vp1iax
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3swkEtaPIN
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.312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf27PdqsTtA
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrpZ7qja2S1
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.”312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOJCmGjl9lz
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf7zy6pE34Q
Rob frowned. “Going? It’s 3 AM.” 312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfm1Db4HcYs
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr3ROlG965n
“Yeah, so?” She stood, her carefree grin unwavering. 312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgfABh1mb2P
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsGgW5wWV6l
“You’re staying here tonight,” Celine said firmly. 312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡir7nobAdPo
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoCqCuvq9JH
Eve hesitated, her expression flickering for a moment. “Fine, thanks.” 312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1bOhjN0kll
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoqe51plESS
She headed straight to the guestroom, leaving Rob and Celine bewildered and concerned. They went back to bed, their thoughts racing.312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSqJSOM1ARV
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlWcFMTz19a
December 30, 2024312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhtCW7hAf0L
8:02 AM312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTsEZMsF2ry
When Rob and Celine woke up, they were surprised to find Eve already making breakfast, standing by the stove with a bright smile.312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAQ0IRjTlb6
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ITBszjpl9
“Good morning, sleepyheads! I made breakfast. Figured it was the least I could do after crashing here uninvited,” she said cheerfully. 312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8IAtPcOnmz
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTneTVpVqTT
As they sat down, Eve wiped the silver knife she used while making breakfast with a towel. “Well, I’ve gotta get going.”312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEqOWBuVeNO
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2NnfJjE1g3
“You’re leaving already?” Celine asked. 312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5SLiE3MgyZ
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSGEk65CMSf
“Yeah, got a few places to be.” 312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbbpW3HjCaB
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuIKsiOUctk
“Wait,” Rob said, disappearing into the bedroom. He returned with some cash. 312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbazyHpsbB1
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa2VCnWKJjV
When he entered the kitchen, he found Celine holding Eve’s hands in prayer. 312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcd41SfBc0d
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHEmRq7cojL
“...Amen,” Celine finished. “Will you join us at church tomorrow? It’s the last service of the year.” 312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjzG0OdeUNj
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRR9m45piVM
Eve hesitated, then nodded. “Yeah, of course… I’ll be there.”312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpFkl9QCsZ3
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkWg8VUdHvv
Rob handed her the money. “Here, take a cab home, and keep the rest.” 312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwAeATmMhGj
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1fZ1EiuIYM
“Aww, Robby, you didn’t have to… Thanks. Take care. See you tomorrow.” 312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq4emDMSsYC
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsJ9blQZjYb
She left, the smell of bacon and eggs lingering in her wake.312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqquThX9M2O
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIkv6xXW1cE
12:22 PM312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKT3BNVSA4I
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.312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfVUHYcDz6U
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaXhOTloqg9
Two minutes later, she went out, her expression lighter, almost joyful. She walked back to her house.
When she stepped inside, it was312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhOMHk8A9mU
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. 312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyuDHy1PHHs
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn2gZggO27X
“We should try convincing her to move in with us again,” Celine said suddenly.312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGvdLP5iFWp
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6EIxshIBpT
“Huh?” 312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoPAlX9qoth
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDLEp9XvikH
“Eve. She’s been living alone for five months now, and she’s unemployed. She shouldn’t be on her own,” Celine said. 312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvfhvhm0Oy9
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWl8MAgAne5
“Yeah… Maybe she’ll be more willing to start fresh next year.” 312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNncACpMdh3
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsx2h3yVnZH
“I’ll talk to her after the service tomorrow. She likes me more, so she might agree.” 312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfaDjNih7Ni
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7bQVIHKT5e
“Ha! She’s my sister, you know.” 312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4iv2TZTIPj
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAtjDPABIBb
Celine smiled. “Exactly. That’s why she’ll listen to me.”312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfyvNOQfiNV
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvZdQzQtJVY
December 31, 2024312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU36XeBjIpB
10:01 AM312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcAVWMKSytB
“Where is she?”312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkID8MfhXhd
Celine wondered, glancing toward the church doors each time they creaked open.312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0c9BrtaQFz
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.
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHDckdhCRZr
1st January 2025312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPPxiXJOVba
9:09 AM312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNQDXRYE38q
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. 312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0MrVLumSN8
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoS9icG3GOP
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡks74AISzd4
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvN0aBce5hA
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRSxs6E6JRv
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.” 312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlYwrS1bfpK
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW7jZrcxyBu
“But my stomach is too flat,” Eve said, her voice rising. “There should still be some hidden sign of pregnancy.”312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBeULIb5MjU
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkMY2NIFY9i
“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—”312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBNJjPgzXhN
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ10kk4RDXRV
Lucy hesitated. “The most humane option would be to terminate the pregnancy now.” 312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjKhqx7qG8y
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsxa38Vg51k
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?” 312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJIsi336gk3
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDQFjUNWS60
Eve burst into tears, the overwhelming emotions pouring out in uncontrollable sobs. Rob immediately leaned in, wrapping his arms around her.312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtB4FnCF0e1
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDJVU1GYta2
“Celine, could I speak with you outside for a moment?” Lucy asked, and Celine reluctantly followed her out. 312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM99ESm23b4
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXq3qsbxNzP
“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—” 312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEkAM9c3I7i
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ekxybFH7t
“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.” 312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9e8vd3Azga
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4FKYbuvhOW
Lucy sighed. “I apologize if I’ve spoken out of place. I’ll leave you all to discuss this on your own.”312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx5MLl7WceL
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKSJ9sTBosu
Wthout another word, Lucy turned and walked away, leaving Celine standing in the hallway.312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFWaFubGOt2
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuszBez24xH
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. 312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2QjLSZMevQ
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjbLqepccy6
“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.” 312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNaNM5XYEv3
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxoVNt9BCpF
Eve nodded, her face pale and tear-streaked.312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2PKGsuXLqz
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzQS8l9vozK
11:11 AM312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLHuOqopmP4
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.312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4XhZcApvUj
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ApjnvLDWj
The house was filled with an oppressive silence, broken only by Eve’s muffled sobs. 312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9cmB31EuJ0
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3j5Jmx5199
Eve’s New Year began with a crash, leaving her to wonder how(if ever) she could pick up the pieces.312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMZzQC5ow3A
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF9jAUcZtRO
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡziVaLp901B
2nd January 2025312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0IWmaH6msz
6:56 AM312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVZqNiDuY7m
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.312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOha9ReJuwo
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGmFJwkkAFN
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. 312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡynZDtQpcuo
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoPELqc5ok5
“Eve?” 312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvu0wOohkrc
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdBQDbaoQR0
Eve flinched and looked up, her face pale and sweat-soaked. “Robby…” she mumbled, the clip falling from her shaky fingers. 312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2uV9TA9nHi
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgxdCdOhekn
“What are you doing?” he asked, stepping closer. 312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLhhTQir3MB
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyCua9lKZz4
“I’m... Psh!... I just needed some air,” she stammered, trying to sound casual. 312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPOJj4YDzZb
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡws3YOc9jGc
“Air?” 312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPNA2VK8zTw
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiMAh5KZTmb
“Yeah... I couldn’t find the key, and I didn’t want to wake you or Celine.”312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjm6w5nfxt1
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ91yLnTy9as
...312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxIOSr4OT0h
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ86W42Eipcl
“You’re having withdrawals?”312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfEsHiV5oS0
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoOu4hLOTLb
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.” 312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkR86cuVA1N
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM43KbYAvfb
“Eve, no. You can’t—”312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU1OMP63GOp
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1jKThKm4DV
“I need it!” she cried, cutting him off. “I’m not a child, Robby. Just open the door! I’m dying!” 312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY1Z6v6ns01
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW4zlMtbuep
“Eve, I don’t—” 312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn2Ibg64gCT
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKYoXooseWL
“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!” 312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCJVJVVwPLm
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy9RWI5fx2W
Rob stayed silent, simply watching her. 312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7uAkl8kqAo
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTCT53nXSyA
“Fuck!” she screamed, kicking the door hard. “Open the fucking door, Robby!” 312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlAiMUDW7cd
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡExjWqOmWEr
He remained quiet.312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6UDcMiAnEV
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO4pMw7lYqi
“Fuck!” she kicked again.312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvCQodDNa28
“Fuck!” another kick.312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFdChbH4AzV
“Fuck!”312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4q0ekm0vSr
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8BzOEkeYlf
“Fuck!”312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgi6SxYfL5k
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaOmzAplO62
“Fuck!”312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYLYScg2HWi
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfGmBxxYTKy
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.312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrnf7BO0JEz
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ16tyQy9aPW
For a moment, she stood there, taking deep, ragged breaths. “I’m sorry.” 312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTYh7v0eWLI
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUJ1Qv7Cwnc
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.” 312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFdlb1uM04e
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAisvUPizU9
“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.”312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ19SHCZhOBY
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK37Zk0XyfU
“Then you’re doing a shit job, because I am dying, right in front of you! But you won’t open the door!” 312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpakGwwHQP2
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPKDIAnUUZg
Rob didn’t respond. 312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdqk2acBmZL
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3iBLZPoW21
“Fuck!” she screamed, grabbing a white plate from the table and threw it at him.312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3grDm7ChzP
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGBswHYFgsn
Rob ducked, but the plate shattered against the wall behind him, and a shard grazed his cheek. 312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK3c0wpAYKV
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdKzD283EKi
“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?” 312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRDUrM788TA
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡczTlVixgJc
“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!” 312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPh2iwXyw3y
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7vPAFHHdPN
Celine turned to her, “He can’t open the door, Eve. I took the key.” 312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwJ2rnB3nbp
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQH6De1vwJt
“What?” 312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFAPMjOgMAF
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyGgwq73zbF
“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.”312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIlXRV0pyXB
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBOaZpSrYQ8
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—” 312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8w95yq9fwY
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdaSsJbxfM8
“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!” 312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRdq7mnYa97
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8iGtthVJYd
She turned abruptly towards the kitchen counter. Her trembling hand grabbed a silver knife. She held it tightly, pointing it toward them. 312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3C36HY9Yem
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡetDbmljrdB
“I killed my baby...” she said. “What the fuck do you know about pain like this?” 312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuj4xgUKNi8
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnR37Qb9Ygn
The room fell silent. Rob’s jaw tightened, his gaze dropping for a moment before he finally spoke.312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBoyuNqPYe3
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuM3Uz9S1VO
“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.” 312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeGDRsXdwqV
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW2sAa9IiEd
“Don’t come any closer!” she screamed, tears streaking her face. 312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM12rzXdTJt
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk86rtbX502
“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.”312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZfPQi2YADE
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPTMbOoTwV1
She shook her head, tears streaming down her face. 312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6HzUVW55FJ
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7uSoYbQHcw
“It’s fine if you hurt me,” Rob said as he took another step forward. “But please, Eve... stop trying to hurt yourself.” 312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5eu6Cg7f7I
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmgJoXWtpGN
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.312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWeV5KRAnai
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ26guui03DN
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.312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNIBDnk3dRl
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbvSW3SAtWi
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.312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZqm8AOsdgW
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmaiJbtFC2Q
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.312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOERNS1UStv
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ07HrR7Qi2J
And then, four months later, she gave birth.312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJavp0QbMh5
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkYTyAiUwcw
To a perfectly healthy baby girl.312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzL3GBpIWnF
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjZX3muDzZY
We named her Grace.312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQg3878t7jF
312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEvHDPxCjEM
The End.312Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPJ9aRaf9IL
