BANG BANG BANG*
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Rob squinted at his phone. 3:33 AM.407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvli1VzoPNA
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“Rob…?” his wife mumbled, half-asleep. 407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdb8RGIrKo8
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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. 407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnDOz1ZJElQ
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BANG BANG BANG*407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3NEzmtwOd5
The knocking didn’t let up.407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKeICBUIiKt
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“Who is it?” Rob called as he approached the door. 407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp3dCYiqLZ1
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“Robby… it’s me,” came a low, soft voice. 407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZGZjaupaas
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He opened the door. “Eve?”407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrc33v9Sivi
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There, standing on his porch, was his younger sister. A smile stretched across her face. 407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV6fxgSpHiK
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“Hey, Robby! How ya doin’, bro?” Her tone was light and playful, almost too casual.407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡolHRwZlOr4
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Before Rob could respond, Celine’s head peeked around the corner. “Eve?” 407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGt0r7BGnMP
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Eve’s grin widened. “Celine! Hi.” 407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ3tpvZv1nF
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“You’ll catch a cold out here,” Celine said. She reached out and gently pulled Eve inside. 407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡytkfDEEn6r
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Rob shut the door behind them. “What happened? It’s the middle of the night.” 407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH8ozCrFBYL
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Eve shrugged. “I was taking a walk and thought I’d drop by. Y’know… say hi.” 407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGO3OTUNati
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“At 3 AM? It’s a four-hour walk from your house to here!”407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4OG1C4sIxp
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Eve tilted her head, genuinely perplexed. “Four hours? Huh. Didn’t feel like it.” 407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyCB6dpYOFX
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Rob exchanged a long, wordless look with Celine. Their unspoken thoughts buzzed between them like static. 407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuQA365RRHZ
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“Are you hungry?” Celine asked, breaking the silence. 407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfdFiA6w02B
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Eve nodded enthusiastically. 407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvKoCER3l4B
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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.407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡinjsEWjsKn
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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.”407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkuZeEZJkw2
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Rob frowned. “Going? It’s 3 AM.” 407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlIwZpVFvLY
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“Yeah, so?” She stood, her carefree grin unwavering. 407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9o0H3MEvaN
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“You’re staying here tonight,” Celine said firmly. 407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRojpAk5UVK
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Eve hesitated, her expression flickering for a moment. “Fine, thanks.” 407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡur5evI4Wjj
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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.407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeXPaG7jVb9
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December 30, 2024407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlWjegth9JX
8:02 AM407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ1DFANPpl7
When Rob and Celine woke up, they were surprised to find Eve already making breakfast, standing by the stove with a bright smile.407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwfD6M8ST9J
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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. 407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM80uiaSZUj
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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.”407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡearuueKGWz
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“You’re leaving already?” Celine asked. 407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPzqKCg34l6
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“Yeah, got a few places to be.” 407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJRclt4Ltn8
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“Wait,” Rob said, disappearing into the bedroom. He returned with some cash. 407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeJrrTb2sYA
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When he entered the kitchen, he found Celine holding Eve’s hands in prayer. 407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ28QMyr0Cmj
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“...Amen,” Celine finished. “Will you join us at church tomorrow? It’s the last service of the year.” 407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaqVR4Xoobl
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Eve hesitated, then nodded. “Yeah, of course… I’ll be there.”407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWgBEsSsDt2
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Rob handed her the money. “Here, take a cab home, and keep the rest.” 407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTPbuLw3SgF
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“Aww, Robby, you didn’t have to… Thanks. Take care. See you tomorrow.” 407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLWdk8Wcnh3
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She left, the smell of bacon and eggs lingering in her wake.407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZvrQJtrba7
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12:22 PM407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNH73RM5kQg
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.407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdNJtuJlLpO
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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 was407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡClLAniM5nF
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. 407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZgeC7BsCRA
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“We should try convincing her to move in with us again,” Celine said suddenly.407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkoNXlNz4pb
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“Huh?” 407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf6yQkHBJcr
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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. 407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFvezbYWWvm
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“Yeah… Maybe she’ll be more willing to start fresh next year.” 407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZFYmBW8aHd
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“I’ll talk to her after the service tomorrow. She likes me more, so she might agree.” 407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh2PsS4KMVa
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“Ha! She’s my sister, you know.” 407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHO7PCnFIUz
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Celine smiled. “Exactly. That’s why she’ll listen to me.”407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8emjDbc7EJ
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December 31, 2024407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnoqW2KdeJ0
10:01 AM407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ51mYZBW8Yy
“Where is she?”407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFRJBy1yT6t
Celine wondered, glancing toward the church doors each time they creaked open.407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLJl4mJWHJL
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 2025407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaODulXNuiW
9:09 AM407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ50lBWFNRFr
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. 407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxWi8HD5RP9
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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.” 407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyABnk24HeB
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“But my stomach is too flat,” Eve said, her voice rising. “There should still be some hidden sign of pregnancy.”407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ76VqiQAThL
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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—”407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmATzW6OOHe
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Lucy hesitated. “The most humane option would be to terminate the pregnancy now.” 407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX24G6CR36l
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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?” 407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz9PpsQkgbZ
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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.407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVCPpswJxo5
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“Celine, could I speak with you outside for a moment?” Lucy asked, and Celine reluctantly followed her out. 407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT71YunwGD7
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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—” 407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0fkCK9z2eQ
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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.” 407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡClO55xiuQH
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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.”407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfmLgQ9RSAP
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Wthout another word, Lucy turned and walked away, leaving Celine standing in the hallway.407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhcFVoPapxy
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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. 407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1gE5NZNGKj
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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.” 407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhtmKbxM3mr
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Eve nodded, her face pale and tear-streaked.407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0VoiP2pxyo
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11:11 AM407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaomuTPvsBk
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.407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxzNBRSAUtz
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The house was filled with an oppressive silence, broken only by Eve’s muffled sobs. 407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfNvr2VCnc4
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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.407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFdLsXspagn
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2nd January 2025407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo2SG9bE9zb
6:56 AM407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI1QSBnkvvG
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.407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡckk6yE3Ezh
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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. 407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡarwNC6hDEd
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“Eve?” 407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaoeCSNRars
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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. 407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRF40kgtNQS
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“What are you doing?” he asked, stepping closer. 407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsChKt98ohi
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“I’m... Psh!... I just needed some air,” she stammered, trying to sound casual. 407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeAvZiYq9O4
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“Air?” 407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5slBXb2mXn
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“Yeah... I couldn’t find the key, and I didn’t want to wake you or Celine.”407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVSXpWfaUXf
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...407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC1s4i6doxf
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“You’re having withdrawals?”407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3NOXAG8kzo
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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.” 407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0JKSNSvqlS
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“Eve, no. You can’t—”407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRr0ddpTlJ1
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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!” 407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR2EpSNI6S3
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“Eve, I don’t—” 407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSHH4bhwYmr
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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!” 407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkEY2zsgb4p
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Rob stayed silent, simply watching her. 407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq0NJurVpm7
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“Fuck!” she screamed, kicking the door hard. “Open the fucking door, Robby!” 407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx0p79ngPDl
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He remained quiet.407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKnB7HyRJT1
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“Fuck!” she kicked again.407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzl2QoH812C
“Fuck!” another kick.407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLZbJVJgcxM
“Fuck!”407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8MHQqkml1O
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“Fuck!”407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI2bsGwafMs
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“Fuck!”407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡew81Cx2YIG
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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.407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQxPXVqL4Df
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For a moment, she stood there, taking deep, ragged breaths. “I’m sorry.” 407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxZzZTVjE2W
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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.” 407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM8Mx2MjPu9
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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.”407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4IkUBDRw24
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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!” 407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPjrvtdnAGS
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Rob didn’t respond. 407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9PDQMCsugV
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“Fuck!” she screamed, grabbing a white plate from the table and threw it at him.407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsQLCDYSbAJ
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Rob ducked, but the plate shattered against the wall behind him, and a shard grazed his cheek. 407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPazsj6pWdV
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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?” 407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqewG0wo9hR
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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!” 407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡseD4LbCEkP
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Celine turned to her, “He can’t open the door, Eve. I took the key.” 407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQz0HCSWKcc
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“What?” 407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcXgkfcnsBW
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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.”407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAMURdkiNWT
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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—” 407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpIzzc81JcP
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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!” 407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJWseGUW0NF
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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. 407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3fezjS0mlB
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“I killed my baby...” she said. “What the fuck do you know about pain like this?” 407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOsT4XQdw9B
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The room fell silent. Rob’s jaw tightened, his gaze dropping for a moment before he finally spoke.407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu1jcW7gvgW
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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.” 407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqtwsRtxjaX
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“Don’t come any closer!” she screamed, tears streaking her face. 407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeFOeAMa6tK
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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.”407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhT4yJ0wpNJ
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She shook her head, tears streaming down her face. 407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxEMGPRmYd2
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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.” 407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSnbPiD9VCO
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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.407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdITbkOu6ED
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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.407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡflwFrDy48H
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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.407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIywxM87Bph
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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.407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa6voldEZym
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And then, four months later, she gave birth.407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDHYUkGI7yY
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To a perfectly healthy baby girl.407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrzKZYAizVp
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We named her Grace.407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYZaI5yimaz
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The End.407Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7xoRBZBGgq
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