BANG BANG BANG*
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Rob squinted at his phone. 3:33 AM.693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf1gM6aOoBE
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“Rob…?” his wife mumbled, half-asleep. 693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6GYLndWdPx
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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. 693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWqAgVRBb0k
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BANG BANG BANG*693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa9S7FsLfFp
The knocking didn’t let up.693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeHMXDQUhuX
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“Who is it?” Rob called as he approached the door. 693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWgHegJ2umA
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“Robby… it’s me,” came a low, soft voice. 693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPTFad5hNps
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He opened the door. “Eve?”693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLhJQrnEFIJ
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There, standing on his porch, was his younger sister. A smile stretched across her face. 693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDbfbLjO62J
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“Hey, Robby! How ya doin’, bro?” Her tone was light and playful, almost too casual.693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXQzBoaPTMp
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Before Rob could respond, Celine’s head peeked around the corner. “Eve?” 693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp2h90GGj64
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Eve’s grin widened. “Celine! Hi.” 693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyBEq2HG1mr
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“You’ll catch a cold out here,” Celine said. She reached out and gently pulled Eve inside. 693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡecBTCXv9WH
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Rob shut the door behind them. “What happened? It’s the middle of the night.” 693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrjYsflgfnD
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Eve shrugged. “I was taking a walk and thought I’d drop by. Y’know… say hi.” 693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcr9M9OmPwq
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“At 3 AM? It’s a four-hour walk from your house to here!”693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW6KKBPAQXe
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Eve tilted her head, genuinely perplexed. “Four hours? Huh. Didn’t feel like it.” 693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV85ClnnPkU
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Rob exchanged a long, wordless look with Celine. Their unspoken thoughts buzzed between them like static. 693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmeTDBLC600
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“Are you hungry?” Celine asked, breaking the silence. 693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjr67WCWquc
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Eve nodded enthusiastically. 693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzMIlk7wrbz
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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.693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFW6ucc8Qtk
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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.”693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGJR2TdiVeO
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Rob frowned. “Going? It’s 3 AM.” 693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn7XKfZq2qA
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“Yeah, so?” She stood, her carefree grin unwavering. 693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhDFkeHNf5e
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“You’re staying here tonight,” Celine said firmly. 693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgyvcOxouyz
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Eve hesitated, her expression flickering for a moment. “Fine, thanks.” 693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWokir7gYTY
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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.693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUL8yagEhU4
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December 30, 2024693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDAmy5x70Dy
8:02 AM693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu6a4cl20hp
When Rob and Celine woke up, they were surprised to find Eve already making breakfast, standing by the stove with a bright smile.693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxzHqv5mLnk
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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. 693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ8Wl4eDXqg
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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.”693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5NnDBuZj93
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“You’re leaving already?” Celine asked. 693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ50ruIV8bwZ
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“Yeah, got a few places to be.” 693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOTShA1SHQF
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“Wait,” Rob said, disappearing into the bedroom. He returned with some cash. 693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYoE1RTJkDP
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When he entered the kitchen, he found Celine holding Eve’s hands in prayer. 693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡscutZTL4z5
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“...Amen,” Celine finished. “Will you join us at church tomorrow? It’s the last service of the year.” 693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjps4nXOk2A
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Eve hesitated, then nodded. “Yeah, of course… I’ll be there.”693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRQtusxgw57
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Rob handed her the money. “Here, take a cab home, and keep the rest.” 693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡul1f5vt7Yi
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“Aww, Robby, you didn’t have to… Thanks. Take care. See you tomorrow.” 693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9VlkVwfBkw
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She left, the smell of bacon and eggs lingering in her wake.693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJBHwAXBIVY
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12:22 PM693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlClR3msuMG
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.693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡptWbwYkbUv
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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 was693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn0Vt8cCLCG
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. 693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSCyuZg0KA3
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“We should try convincing her to move in with us again,” Celine said suddenly.693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc9s5o1E7Pj
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“Huh?” 693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhcCNTDTENV
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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. 693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfaPOIxj1hN
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“Yeah… Maybe she’ll be more willing to start fresh next year.” 693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH3tuVrXciA
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“I’ll talk to her after the service tomorrow. She likes me more, so she might agree.” 693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEwUKrpatUZ
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“Ha! She’s my sister, you know.” 693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Cyc3KNFg2
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Celine smiled. “Exactly. That’s why she’ll listen to me.”693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNCPipuVs2Q
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December 31, 2024693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡybpVzu4RYj
10:01 AM693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGTnkkHju4c
“Where is she?”693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk1ThBCJVyX
Celine wondered, glancing toward the church doors each time they creaked open.693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPjtT3DWg1F
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 2025693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4eBbSVqHKP
9:09 AM693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIE0d5r02q5
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. 693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxxmemszkq1
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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.” 693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwvePwiC7ae
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“But my stomach is too flat,” Eve said, her voice rising. “There should still be some hidden sign of pregnancy.”693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu0hjVVdZwt
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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—”693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ92LAHuukbP
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Lucy hesitated. “The most humane option would be to terminate the pregnancy now.” 693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRYApTAIm5q
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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?” 693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIGFL2eTVPP
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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.693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsNdmkSBUDx
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“Celine, could I speak with you outside for a moment?” Lucy asked, and Celine reluctantly followed her out. 693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP4Q2UNcTqs
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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—” 693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXf4jfqAQb9
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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.” 693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7sXaypBqGS
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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.”693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk4Hzetdv5l
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Wthout another word, Lucy turned and walked away, leaving Celine standing in the hallway.693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtdvd4BCpE9
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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. 693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWOs3Hi9pGS
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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.” 693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ22PkoXio2q
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Eve nodded, her face pale and tear-streaked.693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2GrRUdEpRQ
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11:11 AM693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg51QaT7p7k
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.693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG2Cyhc2RgP
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The house was filled with an oppressive silence, broken only by Eve’s muffled sobs. 693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM1BXtkMw5c
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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.693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6WPyux0E9b
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2nd January 2025693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0mUXNmD7D5
6:56 AM693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5DH8E3P234
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.693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlkqX0IegvS
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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. 693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy4djxe7Ehw
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“Eve?” 693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyUerqKuDho
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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. 693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8XUBsjW6lH
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“What are you doing?” he asked, stepping closer. 693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW6Cu11nEs0
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“I’m... Psh!... I just needed some air,” she stammered, trying to sound casual. 693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgihptKIgr1
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“Air?” 693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbdPZJ14Df0
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“Yeah... I couldn’t find the key, and I didn’t want to wake you or Celine.”693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfunw9fRZRI
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...693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGsgcPNo4gb
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“You’re having withdrawals?”693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡemPPvdEi0R
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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.” 693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdh1q3Cj5sa
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“Eve, no. You can’t—”693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrUdxTEdG32
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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!” 693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRTpZpI50nL
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“Eve, I don’t—” 693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg177xTzZoz
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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!” 693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgUCrigGS6N
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Rob stayed silent, simply watching her. 693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhkhJ31dZ3H
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“Fuck!” she screamed, kicking the door hard. “Open the fucking door, Robby!” 693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlaYcTbyykI
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He remained quiet.693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1molX7WoyS
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“Fuck!” she kicked again.693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAHXCkP5avb
“Fuck!” another kick.693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhYumeGzVEX
“Fuck!”693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI0s5UMczFm
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“Fuck!”693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ3tRl91i1K
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“Fuck!”693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡewDxNNcjcf
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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.693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4vLdmNAbtK
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For a moment, she stood there, taking deep, ragged breaths. “I’m sorry.” 693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRA3RQyYbfL
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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.” 693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzVsMpcWNe0
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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.”693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxDDO6RXFW4
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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!” 693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNtNSf1jHwl
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Rob didn’t respond. 693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ911H6SaQG4
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“Fuck!” she screamed, grabbing a white plate from the table and threw it at him.693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN4mv2uEGVN
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Rob ducked, but the plate shattered against the wall behind him, and a shard grazed his cheek. 693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrDGFOuly9x
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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?” 693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjjF4pYFZgJ
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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!” 693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5f36lC239U
693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLa58xBCnmo
Celine turned to her, “He can’t open the door, Eve. I took the key.” 693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ1L0XkRBlT
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“What?” 693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKFEqG8MRgS
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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.”693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIEDcWblGwM
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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—” 693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr2T8vAjyvW
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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!” 693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdeIjOYUvje
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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. 693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwS0vjABVzv
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“I killed my baby...” she said. “What the fuck do you know about pain like this?” 693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1UuztB7Vw6
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The room fell silent. Rob’s jaw tightened, his gaze dropping for a moment before he finally spoke.693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqmvSqidxgr
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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.” 693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuLD69zFO7t
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“Don’t come any closer!” she screamed, tears streaking her face. 693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAh1TeGbmUQ
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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.”693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡria801LBcd
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She shook her head, tears streaming down her face. 693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwC4ch03REL
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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.” 693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTLufS4yLZ4
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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.693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHyIqArQ05Q
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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.693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIAkayz1eEc
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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.693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFxzJUC9ekX
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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.693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0dLo2PD0bi
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And then, four months later, she gave birth.693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6t0FRB2mfS
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To a perfectly healthy baby girl.693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMXUnT772tP
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We named her Grace.693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHipaAgCJrE
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The End.693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRHtIEALh74
and then Add to home screen.