BANG BANG BANG*
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Rob squinted at his phone. 3:33 AM.227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb9M9kc20qg
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“Rob…?” his wife mumbled, half-asleep. 227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUjugmRA35N
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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. 227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT9B3bisGax
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BANG BANG BANG*227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz3wM7AAhZc
The knocking didn’t let up.227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwYYC1ZXQ4U
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“Who is it?” Rob called as he approached the door. 227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7oJ2eH84Wj
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“Robby… it’s me,” came a low, soft voice. 227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4P1crV7Sql
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He opened the door. “Eve?”227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUBp0IP0bEP
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There, standing on his porch, was his younger sister. A smile stretched across her face. 227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl6Iy0mY3uz
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“Hey, Robby! How ya doin’, bro?” Her tone was light and playful, almost too casual.227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO4ZaLM2gdm
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Before Rob could respond, Celine’s head peeked around the corner. “Eve?” 227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvVVUtT8585
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Eve’s grin widened. “Celine! Hi.” 227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaDzYvVKgDI
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“You’ll catch a cold out here,” Celine said. She reached out and gently pulled Eve inside. 227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhIY2QC8IcF
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Rob shut the door behind them. “What happened? It’s the middle of the night.” 227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡalMpsb51r7
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Eve shrugged. “I was taking a walk and thought I’d drop by. Y’know… say hi.” 227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjdVuQ6WfUQ
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“At 3 AM? It’s a four-hour walk from your house to here!”227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtqLtX2Axjl
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Eve tilted her head, genuinely perplexed. “Four hours? Huh. Didn’t feel like it.” 227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJZ8FDO3pbt
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Rob exchanged a long, wordless look with Celine. Their unspoken thoughts buzzed between them like static. 227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmGgMXPSlew
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“Are you hungry?” Celine asked, breaking the silence. 227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnh4AdTbNgg
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Eve nodded enthusiastically. 227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJp7VnnJOzm
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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.227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRP67awMUMh
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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.”227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1THhZvgXFN
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Rob frowned. “Going? It’s 3 AM.” 227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR5AnvQ7R8v
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“Yeah, so?” She stood, her carefree grin unwavering. 227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVNtdEI3yzK
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“You’re staying here tonight,” Celine said firmly. 227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt976ygAugQ
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Eve hesitated, her expression flickering for a moment. “Fine, thanks.” 227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcJvgtFMcWc
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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.227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQwTGOAj9xw
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December 30, 2024227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCJuDRZQ7q6
8:02 AM227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB1thtDb3pP
When Rob and Celine woke up, they were surprised to find Eve already making breakfast, standing by the stove with a bright smile.227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdDG95e2LDH
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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. 227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6fWpOo4qFE
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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.”227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTmv9qjTa9k
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“You’re leaving already?” Celine asked. 227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtj1fURkZUv
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“Yeah, got a few places to be.” 227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBM4Fct5rE9
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“Wait,” Rob said, disappearing into the bedroom. He returned with some cash. 227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfM53FKZDjl
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When he entered the kitchen, he found Celine holding Eve’s hands in prayer. 227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡftathtydYQ
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“...Amen,” Celine finished. “Will you join us at church tomorrow? It’s the last service of the year.” 227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZpOwGYyBVm
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Eve hesitated, then nodded. “Yeah, of course… I’ll be there.”227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfAUvWgrTET
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Rob handed her the money. “Here, take a cab home, and keep the rest.” 227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDdqGjGntl6
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“Aww, Robby, you didn’t have to… Thanks. Take care. See you tomorrow.” 227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRCFffuL8l0
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She left, the smell of bacon and eggs lingering in her wake.227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCfwuwun3MA
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12:22 PM227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡedwE0m44yq
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.227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzGQtTdS6Zb
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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 was227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjodMaicS9x
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. 227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEzfvRFEZ3S
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“We should try convincing her to move in with us again,” Celine said suddenly.227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5wMq4FU7J2
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“Huh?” 227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQoOC7F9bj6
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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. 227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRnxCDlzJIX
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“Yeah… Maybe she’ll be more willing to start fresh next year.” 227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX5Pvn5VTv0
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“I’ll talk to her after the service tomorrow. She likes me more, so she might agree.” 227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5FWV2nOlmo
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“Ha! She’s my sister, you know.” 227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn2cW8K6LCC
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Celine smiled. “Exactly. That’s why she’ll listen to me.”227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX48eGEtXqK
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December 31, 2024227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVb1Un0VRWX
10:01 AM227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmfYTsoU6ej
“Where is she?”227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7aHz4HlkG8
Celine wondered, glancing toward the church doors each time they creaked open.227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9vMKag22Vq
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 2025227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq0zIVBe6sA
9:09 AM227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpOiQCVZfCh
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. 227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlKAFr9Z6fO
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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.” 227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaFI9zHFirT
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“But my stomach is too flat,” Eve said, her voice rising. “There should still be some hidden sign of pregnancy.”227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ6CCvlAEIc
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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—”227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIKhnsg8oYV
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Lucy hesitated. “The most humane option would be to terminate the pregnancy now.” 227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0IoTvF6Gey
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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?” 227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7QrY9DX1DO
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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.227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYgB46lvEXZ
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“Celine, could I speak with you outside for a moment?” Lucy asked, and Celine reluctantly followed her out. 227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8c2zXICZe4
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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—” 227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnNI48eEgrM
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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.” 227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOlrjmkhd4D
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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.”227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbTbECn1ylk
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Wthout another word, Lucy turned and walked away, leaving Celine standing in the hallway.227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs93UBU2Um4
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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. 227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡffGucINwDH
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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.” 227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjCF1NTuVNr
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Eve nodded, her face pale and tear-streaked.227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDs55eSTa4M
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11:11 AM227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeCHrUbVP7a
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.227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtYd3E8GMYh
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The house was filled with an oppressive silence, broken only by Eve’s muffled sobs. 227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0k6RYswY2x
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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.227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGASsTIqS1m
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2nd January 2025227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDSpXxnJzL2
6:56 AM227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVhl5MitmGi
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.227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCFtIn7CdaN
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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. 227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5gHzE7rc0q
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“Eve?” 227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGZK1p1N81F
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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. 227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7VgXhNIrn8
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“What are you doing?” he asked, stepping closer. 227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaVVHavGP4K
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“I’m... Psh!... I just needed some air,” she stammered, trying to sound casual. 227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzprcKnBLzu
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“Air?” 227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDPZXPPDjVI
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“Yeah... I couldn’t find the key, and I didn’t want to wake you or Celine.”227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZth8D3TJkC
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...227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJhZyeEaGhm
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“You’re having withdrawals?”227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVknK81DVGt
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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.” 227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSNRggMVI7b
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“Eve, no. You can’t—”227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC45YuBvPTO
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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!” 227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9JLHkJvk6W
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“Eve, I don’t—” 227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIkB8aJtzXu
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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!” 227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsou9HqMNW4
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Rob stayed silent, simply watching her. 227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtFFVnTKnKK
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“Fuck!” she screamed, kicking the door hard. “Open the fucking door, Robby!” 227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFeJYCGpow2
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He remained quiet.227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWMdPN1ytlZ
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“Fuck!” she kicked again.227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgM8HF1QPCM
“Fuck!” another kick.227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtUB5kaOnsu
“Fuck!”227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡte5oGO4THl
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“Fuck!”227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7jVH1AGCJP
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“Fuck!”227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0nFIwYzbld
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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.227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6yLRJMNXJD
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For a moment, she stood there, taking deep, ragged breaths. “I’m sorry.” 227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5cO3mhkKbX
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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.” 227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG9DDZSSHJd
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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.”227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡauFfXZeg7S
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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!” 227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡErpJGBGvea
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Rob didn’t respond. 227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqjVgiR1hWF
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“Fuck!” she screamed, grabbing a white plate from the table and threw it at him.227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1rTrYqsoye
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Rob ducked, but the plate shattered against the wall behind him, and a shard grazed his cheek. 227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡULgVDsTUvp
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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?” 227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcINbVDaCuO
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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!” 227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJPcA5rTlZo
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Celine turned to her, “He can’t open the door, Eve. I took the key.” 227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcaQeSyTGV5
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“What?” 227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz404ehrNP3
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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.”227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxOngMJjsLs
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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—” 227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡihRRvXP7EQ
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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!” 227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡopTP4IjkFJ
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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. 227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQcge6dHmzt
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“I killed my baby...” she said. “What the fuck do you know about pain like this?” 227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXB3htaywph
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The room fell silent. Rob’s jaw tightened, his gaze dropping for a moment before he finally spoke.227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtttsgDQWB1
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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.” 227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZS0XTMmdoq
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“Don’t come any closer!” she screamed, tears streaking her face. 227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfCGa1pmFfH
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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.”227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX3aJDgHe5V
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She shook her head, tears streaming down her face. 227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkRxoPBSJcG
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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.” 227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw7OMqODnZP
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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.227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgr834gnRR5
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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.227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRBkQN56wsA
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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.227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ55Aj50swjr
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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.227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJae2GBPaKx
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And then, four months later, she gave birth.227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmLDxhvIrxj
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To a perfectly healthy baby girl.227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrz7hHvzfin
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We named her Grace.227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1KptOMY9A1
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The End.227Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ73aZMCGdfu
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