BANG BANG BANG*
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Rob squinted at his phone. 3:33 AM.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvfvkspQflu
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“Rob…?” his wife mumbled, half-asleep. 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZr64UpFTQz
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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. 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg311UCK0dD
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BANG BANG BANG*705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXHx9dQ2KlS
The knocking didn’t let up.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1DQTGI2pEG
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“Who is it?” Rob called as he approached the door. 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuGMNPuupR4
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“Robby… it’s me,” came a low, soft voice. 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcRG8PaAYfq
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He opened the door. “Eve?”705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnS82OV5NNi
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There, standing on his porch, was his younger sister. A smile stretched across her face. 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeXkoMt9NSO
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“Hey, Robby! How ya doin’, bro?” Her tone was light and playful, almost too casual.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtoZcr7NVdU
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Before Rob could respond, Celine’s head peeked around the corner. “Eve?” 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqidnfLO0b5
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Eve’s grin widened. “Celine! Hi.” 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGO6naoceyQ
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“You’ll catch a cold out here,” Celine said. She reached out and gently pulled Eve inside. 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwE3WffnWP6
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Rob shut the door behind them. “What happened? It’s the middle of the night.” 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmahRlFK9FP
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Eve shrugged. “I was taking a walk and thought I’d drop by. Y’know… say hi.” 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0HcVMVKaYJ
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“At 3 AM? It’s a four-hour walk from your house to here!”705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhN9nHQOY68
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Eve tilted her head, genuinely perplexed. “Four hours? Huh. Didn’t feel like it.” 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxLA9G932Hk
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Rob exchanged a long, wordless look with Celine. Their unspoken thoughts buzzed between them like static. 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdox95a89mg
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“Are you hungry?” Celine asked, breaking the silence. 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUX1uTVI1ir
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Eve nodded enthusiastically. 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpySXgJS8Lf
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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.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxlw8t5eUqn
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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.”705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSjxV3jQpox
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Rob frowned. “Going? It’s 3 AM.” 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ76z54VHoiO
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“Yeah, so?” She stood, her carefree grin unwavering. 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4SAwU7x5G7
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“You’re staying here tonight,” Celine said firmly. 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS5W1Lsgskl
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Eve hesitated, her expression flickering for a moment. “Fine, thanks.” 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCuJWsEe8SR
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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.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4HFaahwKuC
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December 30, 2024705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlipNNvF0ec
8:02 AM705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaCGl2o1ch3
When Rob and Celine woke up, they were surprised to find Eve already making breakfast, standing by the stove with a bright smile.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmlPwi1mT2E
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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. 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV8MnxOzq39
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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.”705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSah6dFeETE
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“You’re leaving already?” Celine asked. 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF84rxuSa4O
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“Yeah, got a few places to be.” 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡynqbtw7gbW
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“Wait,” Rob said, disappearing into the bedroom. He returned with some cash. 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQry4T9n8D8
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When he entered the kitchen, he found Celine holding Eve’s hands in prayer. 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdtZlO6iYi8
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“...Amen,” Celine finished. “Will you join us at church tomorrow? It’s the last service of the year.” 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpv856SNYnk
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Eve hesitated, then nodded. “Yeah, of course… I’ll be there.”705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxKVmHIEUp4
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Rob handed her the money. “Here, take a cab home, and keep the rest.” 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjRhcxhPEyE
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“Aww, Robby, you didn’t have to… Thanks. Take care. See you tomorrow.” 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ67S4UuCksD
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She left, the smell of bacon and eggs lingering in her wake.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH4MdC91W7x
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12:22 PM705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWc3pGhIxIw
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.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZS05BvlWgN
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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 was705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPkJUh4QWYT
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. 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFoEZ9KuLJl
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“We should try convincing her to move in with us again,” Celine said suddenly.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA4fcod2el1
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“Huh?” 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVCoPJOzq28
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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. 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR3uNh1blsq
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“Yeah… Maybe she’ll be more willing to start fresh next year.” 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDaXMuMAsLV
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“I’ll talk to her after the service tomorrow. She likes me more, so she might agree.” 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGDG3onejDA
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“Ha! She’s my sister, you know.” 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMMlAqaabj9
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Celine smiled. “Exactly. That’s why she’ll listen to me.”705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk7ZGxouQ2Y
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December 31, 2024705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡom9ND8XcbK
10:01 AM705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrMTfYKSvaZ
“Where is she?”705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUXJBapQ065
Celine wondered, glancing toward the church doors each time they creaked open.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Eo3uGI644
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 2025705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSPNnGkoU8z
9:09 AM705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbuXv19cKH1
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. 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvnMmq61rwo
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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.” 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG2d6sKos72
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“But my stomach is too flat,” Eve said, her voice rising. “There should still be some hidden sign of pregnancy.”705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGCKBaY80er
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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—”705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9FrSOTabVy
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Lucy hesitated. “The most humane option would be to terminate the pregnancy now.” 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFYmrb8nat1
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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?” 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpu2Fbdiknd
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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.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡknl1g9vPwk
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“Celine, could I speak with you outside for a moment?” Lucy asked, and Celine reluctantly followed her out. 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Qf0h4gWXR
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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—” 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡArFwCXGYRP
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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.” 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ1qgAbkMeH
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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.”705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPCug9oB19D
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Wthout another word, Lucy turned and walked away, leaving Celine standing in the hallway.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLmr2pWLVHW
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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. 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQQjaUufRg9
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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.” 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGLqgGtUtRI
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Eve nodded, her face pale and tear-streaked.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBVEKwxbQKj
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11:11 AM705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHRlGFJ18lf
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.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHLqgBCSji6
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The house was filled with an oppressive silence, broken only by Eve’s muffled sobs. 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbQBEVUt0eH
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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.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8RNXcnnVsb
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2nd January 2025705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgfEEMjFoIn
6:56 AM705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNkTpCpNSaj
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.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyL3V3ZClAm
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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. 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL6azc2mWKm
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“Eve?” 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9b4M1SXu3B
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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. 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqfrEmTqS7Y
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“What are you doing?” he asked, stepping closer. 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkkZGbMaePG
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“I’m... Psh!... I just needed some air,” she stammered, trying to sound casual. 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZFxNrxszG1
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“Air?” 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNtAvEXeqYa
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“Yeah... I couldn’t find the key, and I didn’t want to wake you or Celine.”705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY2xxSJmcf4
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...705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpvtfWSYNDB
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“You’re having withdrawals?”705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLrGqosk2NZ
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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.” 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy78f1rHkzO
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“Eve, no. You can’t—”705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbG4zVe0oXn
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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!” 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvnaVbeYQBE
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“Eve, I don’t—” 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaKQbWfQjUC
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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!” 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTMrUOAYYVQ
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Rob stayed silent, simply watching her. 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBFsKIntZ0n
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“Fuck!” she screamed, kicking the door hard. “Open the fucking door, Robby!” 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8qv1PXDMKa
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He remained quiet.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ71L3h3ynrZ
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“Fuck!” she kicked again.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh6VlcFOj9q
“Fuck!” another kick.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8PYfvzP3MC
“Fuck!”705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡigKEJUVCYB
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“Fuck!”705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7IGu5f7ttq
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“Fuck!”705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡabd0XL8fdD
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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.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZVW5GM32f2
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For a moment, she stood there, taking deep, ragged breaths. “I’m sorry.” 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm41CVxACL4
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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.” 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡikzo1AqKy4
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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.”705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCZFgJAny0Q
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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!” 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOfm2afaop3
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Rob didn’t respond. 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrNEI6fJG14
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“Fuck!” she screamed, grabbing a white plate from the table and threw it at him.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDPSnaXpQq2
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Rob ducked, but the plate shattered against the wall behind him, and a shard grazed his cheek. 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡObAxId8Yok
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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?” 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNhoGyZQux3
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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!” 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXyY99Q55H9
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Celine turned to her, “He can’t open the door, Eve. I took the key.” 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkMCxYNtdEZ
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“What?” 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8DCQoON1Wo
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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.”705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkLelu3Y6ci
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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—” 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ224sutV0c9
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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!” 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQWiSCmzIEl
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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. 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUzIbHjXVaH
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“I killed my baby...” she said. “What the fuck do you know about pain like this?” 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJLaSJ7qWQI
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The room fell silent. Rob’s jaw tightened, his gaze dropping for a moment before he finally spoke.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡznUiXjEfGT
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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.” 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhajgj6Po6g
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“Don’t come any closer!” she screamed, tears streaking her face. 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD2jgBiumlm
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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.”705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzfGd3mppMr
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She shook her head, tears streaming down her face. 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Dtn6aRZlD
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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.” 705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWbKM76ddlx
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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.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe6KEuUwMZk
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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.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCORJYizh9p
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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.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo2B49JPUi6
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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.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmXzmVXBGLd
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And then, four months later, she gave birth.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUFd5UsT54c
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To a perfectly healthy baby girl.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZFZDHNVOT0
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We named her Grace.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCOSRwtxRc4
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The End.705Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvIDbigvCN9
and then Add to home screen.