BANG BANG BANG*
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Rob squinted at his phone. 3:33 AM.411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Qi9DwSXjh
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“Rob…?” his wife mumbled, half-asleep. 411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSH5iO9l29X
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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. 411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR1AqNEfkIN
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BANG BANG BANG*411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQcSNQ2ZVty
The knocking didn’t let up.411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKqaGVJ85E8
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“Who is it?” Rob called as he approached the door. 411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa5rM5DkAC8
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“Robby… it’s me,” came a low, soft voice. 411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN8jmUk3q4E
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He opened the door. “Eve?”411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmvvLlq3LVc
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There, standing on his porch, was his younger sister. A smile stretched across her face. 411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh3aWQLlG6j
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“Hey, Robby! How ya doin’, bro?” Her tone was light and playful, almost too casual.411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcs7iWxtOOB
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Before Rob could respond, Celine’s head peeked around the corner. “Eve?” 411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxcs75wV3jG
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Eve’s grin widened. “Celine! Hi.” 411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqFliQ086Ky
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“You’ll catch a cold out here,” Celine said. She reached out and gently pulled Eve inside. 411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM7tyj3HXeV
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Rob shut the door behind them. “What happened? It’s the middle of the night.” 411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtvh8MPPKwv
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Eve shrugged. “I was taking a walk and thought I’d drop by. Y’know… say hi.” 411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeteuhWQtQh
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“At 3 AM? It’s a four-hour walk from your house to here!”411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGhKdgMRSmd
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Eve tilted her head, genuinely perplexed. “Four hours? Huh. Didn’t feel like it.” 411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjx4UyhuKcT
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Rob exchanged a long, wordless look with Celine. Their unspoken thoughts buzzed between them like static. 411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzx0RgTKwtq
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“Are you hungry?” Celine asked, breaking the silence. 411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPVvl8B9eC8
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Eve nodded enthusiastically. 411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZP15fEhxPc
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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.411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPeLiQ7AMYa
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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.”411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgk38GlnqcL
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Rob frowned. “Going? It’s 3 AM.” 411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlzDRaJnBsI
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“Yeah, so?” She stood, her carefree grin unwavering. 411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLKIRvXcds2
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“You’re staying here tonight,” Celine said firmly. 411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmQQfvOLprU
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Eve hesitated, her expression flickering for a moment. “Fine, thanks.” 411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHzS93adZ79
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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.411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVjcNb7OlIN
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December 30, 2024411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1PSgFJSX8k
8:02 AM411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR3R7dJuVDG
When Rob and Celine woke up, they were surprised to find Eve already making breakfast, standing by the stove with a bright smile.411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrH3WLJEq3A
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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. 411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgxVKIhNd3W
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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.”411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq8x5oU07rY
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“You’re leaving already?” Celine asked. 411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxpEq3VYGib
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“Yeah, got a few places to be.” 411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFeEY4IjCC8
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“Wait,” Rob said, disappearing into the bedroom. He returned with some cash. 411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQKPV5q7Fth
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When he entered the kitchen, he found Celine holding Eve’s hands in prayer. 411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdjM4sVBatF
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“...Amen,” Celine finished. “Will you join us at church tomorrow? It’s the last service of the year.” 411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs1QMMxn1Hv
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Eve hesitated, then nodded. “Yeah, of course… I’ll be there.”411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDZZ8ZyOysa
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Rob handed her the money. “Here, take a cab home, and keep the rest.” 411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJHjtfmhFEF
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“Aww, Robby, you didn’t have to… Thanks. Take care. See you tomorrow.” 411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpuw9WND9xR
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She left, the smell of bacon and eggs lingering in her wake.411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAI1dgfzyOS
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12:22 PM411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9L5cGQkG6Z
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.411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNuJMreE8PI
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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 was411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqPWt6GyXy2
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. 411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5iwus3G14l
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“We should try convincing her to move in with us again,” Celine said suddenly.411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBd5ST1ruQc
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“Huh?” 411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGKIkfaPLtl
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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. 411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo1XFFyJl5x
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“Yeah… Maybe she’ll be more willing to start fresh next year.” 411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdcUQC6NQxa
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“I’ll talk to her after the service tomorrow. She likes me more, so she might agree.” 411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTBraXAFWRM
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“Ha! She’s my sister, you know.” 411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk33v6BHTGf
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Celine smiled. “Exactly. That’s why she’ll listen to me.”411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjp2rw3l2v7
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December 31, 2024411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO1nZfAV5cS
10:01 AM411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8cu5SqAtit
“Where is she?”411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡss4mgkLCdc
Celine wondered, glancing toward the church doors each time they creaked open.411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFwSqc0Xikw
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 2025411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGLSP0A2bwX
9:09 AM411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo7FcvLJGOD
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. 411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3xxX62RiAc
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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.” 411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOGVclfrTXo
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“But my stomach is too flat,” Eve said, her voice rising. “There should still be some hidden sign of pregnancy.”411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8mLAG90rFq
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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—”411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvzik1PNsgV
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Lucy hesitated. “The most humane option would be to terminate the pregnancy now.” 411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMgxvDJxZdn
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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?” 411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfG76LSCezj
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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.411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOno3WFZeua
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“Celine, could I speak with you outside for a moment?” Lucy asked, and Celine reluctantly followed her out. 411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvnHaM1DyYg
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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—” 411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVHUhabi5H7
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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.” 411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmfFF9Ouyl9
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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.”411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡocM3pptzr0
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Wthout another word, Lucy turned and walked away, leaving Celine standing in the hallway.411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZS1XgcwgmO
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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. 411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ7aBVeSDCf
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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.” 411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3VlJTE5G0S
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Eve nodded, her face pale and tear-streaked.411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXSRUAbEG2q
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11:11 AM411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHXVCEWNa3P
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.411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9cO26lGo79
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The house was filled with an oppressive silence, broken only by Eve’s muffled sobs. 411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT3gH8ioz3e
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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.411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8kra2k3KYT
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2nd January 2025411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡErNoNq4UvI
6:56 AM411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnPH4y4xmiI
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.411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqdZxK7iH2j
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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. 411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWVo7bCXiJ9
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“Eve?” 411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgxKyTtObHf
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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. 411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ89qpeUrYcT
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“What are you doing?” he asked, stepping closer. 411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC0jscMaYSR
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“I’m... Psh!... I just needed some air,” she stammered, trying to sound casual. 411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC7uqHnU3Au
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“Air?” 411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP9swza6lA3
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“Yeah... I couldn’t find the key, and I didn’t want to wake you or Celine.”411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5OhdEoTTaD
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...411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9mFn7Psxtn
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“You’re having withdrawals?”411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ANPCZd0T7
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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.” 411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgJb5VX6Jwx
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“Eve, no. You can’t—”411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPhG9fGk3Iw
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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!” 411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOCvY0BzJEv
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“Eve, I don’t—” 411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡePrC4gqOWg
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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!” 411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSugXLt1n44
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Rob stayed silent, simply watching her. 411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyDH52PwtmK
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“Fuck!” she screamed, kicking the door hard. “Open the fucking door, Robby!” 411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbbcYsdVuqL
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He remained quiet.411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQwb5O9sk3y
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“Fuck!” she kicked again.411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB3ydcHRO1C
“Fuck!” another kick.411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQD7AUtyLeQ
“Fuck!”411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtYLb2BLOfO
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“Fuck!”411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrrlH34Eb82
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“Fuck!”411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnmMDVOCJXe
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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.411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJSLVZ9yNa9
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For a moment, she stood there, taking deep, ragged breaths. “I’m sorry.” 411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnukPsqVwkh
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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.” 411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvjXMv51AvH
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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.”411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKXwqZPNR2y
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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!” 411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi94AUzlcCf
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Rob didn’t respond. 411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT4ikIQyTkT
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“Fuck!” she screamed, grabbing a white plate from the table and threw it at him.411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpCmI1Ni3mm
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Rob ducked, but the plate shattered against the wall behind him, and a shard grazed his cheek. 411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡncLz55Hqol
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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?” 411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw96nAv9Xge
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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!” 411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMBA3myCoHK
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Celine turned to her, “He can’t open the door, Eve. I took the key.” 411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1QA008d0rD
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“What?” 411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkNjwsQKUw8
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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.”411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtDNwehYkvF
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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—” 411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8z6htbp47e
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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!” 411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ILXkmnoza
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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. 411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc0EBVPCHhS
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“I killed my baby...” she said. “What the fuck do you know about pain like this?” 411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbi8C4UPuZ4
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The room fell silent. Rob’s jaw tightened, his gaze dropping for a moment before he finally spoke.411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHQRfLWdG1f
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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.” 411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ58v04ynvKL
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“Don’t come any closer!” she screamed, tears streaking her face. 411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvC0bWfHbDn
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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.”411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG9GlCpe5Ky
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She shook her head, tears streaming down her face. 411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYSZnSuTTmh
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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.” 411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu8Wu1AqUgY
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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.411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2o0qsWGLd8
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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.411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHwgXzbJrUg
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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.411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKuQ4BbUOKl
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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.411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXVUz0VJHH5
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And then, four months later, she gave birth.411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjllfu2E125
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To a perfectly healthy baby girl.411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFWyOGQZWkH
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We named her Grace.411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtiUwZT9jhm
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The End.411Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIc0bWoN7bu
