BANG BANG BANG*
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Rob squinted at his phone. 3:33 AM.696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz5irRUqZh1
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“Rob…?” his wife mumbled, half-asleep. 696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb0kyUgPY3k
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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. 696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1aoOYltkex
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BANG BANG BANG*696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡemNFytgyVA
The knocking didn’t let up.696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa3WWz3h3zf
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“Who is it?” Rob called as he approached the door. 696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmdMwiiMoRJ
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“Robby… it’s me,” came a low, soft voice. 696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOJm3V2Ug6P
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He opened the door. “Eve?”696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSKRqoImEFF
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There, standing on his porch, was his younger sister. A smile stretched across her face. 696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnKZJwFeYKG
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“Hey, Robby! How ya doin’, bro?” Her tone was light and playful, almost too casual.696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ74QImJT8D8
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Before Rob could respond, Celine’s head peeked around the corner. “Eve?” 696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo3hZDx212d
696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB1SV8PFHaN
Eve’s grin widened. “Celine! Hi.” 696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzVRApuaEGr
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“You’ll catch a cold out here,” Celine said. She reached out and gently pulled Eve inside. 696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡshwd6Sq2En
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Rob shut the door behind them. “What happened? It’s the middle of the night.” 696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKvegO0tq1s
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Eve shrugged. “I was taking a walk and thought I’d drop by. Y’know… say hi.” 696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtAMgy0aBiU
696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnARcbOhbNY
“At 3 AM? It’s a four-hour walk from your house to here!”696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxtWF5p66nu
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Eve tilted her head, genuinely perplexed. “Four hours? Huh. Didn’t feel like it.” 696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOFOO9CUpLT
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Rob exchanged a long, wordless look with Celine. Their unspoken thoughts buzzed between them like static. 696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPsXeSvyTGz
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“Are you hungry?” Celine asked, breaking the silence. 696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjUXTiwuTCp
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Eve nodded enthusiastically. 696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNBOOTrkjKh
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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.696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJrHOSo7ErJ
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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.”696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLTfjctVsCd
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Rob frowned. “Going? It’s 3 AM.” 696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPb7VD14UOJ
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“Yeah, so?” She stood, her carefree grin unwavering. 696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpazQ86dSS7
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“You’re staying here tonight,” Celine said firmly. 696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlSoxmng0sy
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Eve hesitated, her expression flickering for a moment. “Fine, thanks.” 696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfoKtG2Zroc
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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.696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkEp2JXeB8J
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December 30, 2024696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuVAEnMZ36F
8:02 AM696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmS2TuScspt
When Rob and Celine woke up, they were surprised to find Eve already making breakfast, standing by the stove with a bright smile.696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0lZrivu1ED
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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. 696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCW9qEk8vR2
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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.”696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiejt2X8Fl9
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“You’re leaving already?” Celine asked. 696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ54JrpL4qKl
696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM5DAGrdjBd
“Yeah, got a few places to be.” 696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0A0vuNcAPv
696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9I4VKIlXEl
“Wait,” Rob said, disappearing into the bedroom. He returned with some cash. 696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDderGsbOKi
696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCvpmiWkUf4
When he entered the kitchen, he found Celine holding Eve’s hands in prayer. 696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡudYQg2UJQr
696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMsoutqJemS
“...Amen,” Celine finished. “Will you join us at church tomorrow? It’s the last service of the year.” 696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqzwnuuiK1m
696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡotBEB9AP9N
Eve hesitated, then nodded. “Yeah, of course… I’ll be there.”696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXM5TV3v00r
696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRITXEU0sSL
Rob handed her the money. “Here, take a cab home, and keep the rest.” 696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOMTpxR3SWr
696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJY13dYKSfa
“Aww, Robby, you didn’t have to… Thanks. Take care. See you tomorrow.” 696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgfy7ez0d58
696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPDTQm3ARwG
She left, the smell of bacon and eggs lingering in her wake.696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJt3nq5YITN
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12:22 PM696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0a1rHRRei5
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.696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvBwc8l65Lb
696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdaQKz3O65I
Two minutes later, she went out, her expression lighter, almost joyful. She walked back to her house.
When she stepped inside, it was696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK8HZvGzkxk
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. 696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ18UqyB7Grb
696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJZ4Q25KHAU
“We should try convincing her to move in with us again,” Celine said suddenly.696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ80BtOuJxuG
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“Huh?” 696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Cc3TsXrpQ
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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. 696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEwF2vlG7DC
696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhqu884QR3J
“Yeah… Maybe she’ll be more willing to start fresh next year.” 696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8P5Dk20rBb
696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPYvQCcJwh0
“I’ll talk to her after the service tomorrow. She likes me more, so she might agree.” 696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjmZKeyyqxT
696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSxL3woYHyB
“Ha! She’s my sister, you know.” 696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqL3ZCKVg9K
696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcAhttTVxzY
Celine smiled. “Exactly. That’s why she’ll listen to me.”696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt2dAt6NVru
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December 31, 2024696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAHzPXU5yc7
10:01 AM696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx4gsCbhfEA
“Where is she?”696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9MRbyLQ9Kh
Celine wondered, glancing toward the church doors each time they creaked open.696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG0JbhMyapV
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 2025696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUiGgYN2cd3
9:09 AM696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Y76TXeJ3s
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. 696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3OgX18xQcR
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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.” 696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWVP7IPAZW7
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“But my stomach is too flat,” Eve said, her voice rising. “There should still be some hidden sign of pregnancy.”696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDuvjQfesTj
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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—”696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡww0CASK15r
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Lucy hesitated. “The most humane option would be to terminate the pregnancy now.” 696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1dWHbMjQ3T
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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?” 696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcmTEWsKPB9
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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.696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoho8xq9YOw
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“Celine, could I speak with you outside for a moment?” Lucy asked, and Celine reluctantly followed her out. 696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡArOn2jzui1
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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—” 696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiT3dj9rMSW
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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.” 696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoaty1AUvVC
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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.”696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ56iatnCxtD
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Wthout another word, Lucy turned and walked away, leaving Celine standing in the hallway.696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoWsbAMNY2j
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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. 696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJMMfAp28JR
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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.” 696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3cHM3oAKeh
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Eve nodded, her face pale and tear-streaked.696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLELhMIsA7a
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11:11 AM696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmwWwe0V0t8
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.696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuAgE6AmZsj
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The house was filled with an oppressive silence, broken only by Eve’s muffled sobs. 696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiVmp5ZpBkF
696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlkUFwhoWSi
Eve’s New Year began with a crash, leaving her to wonder how(if ever) she could pick up the pieces.696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKG5tVNAuri
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2nd January 2025696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6LrncOOxPz
6:56 AM696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd9zmewxYKb
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.696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKEO8RbQbPZ
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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. 696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7EY77dOTTL
696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡETz5VcRLSL
“Eve?” 696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvBvOTx00yi
696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOcFyrmsbcH
Eve flinched and looked up, her face pale and sweat-soaked. “Robby…” she mumbled, the clip falling from her shaky fingers. 696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ9UE1dGUCF
696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoXtEXEjszO
“What are you doing?” he asked, stepping closer. 696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVv0l4uMrmK
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“I’m... Psh!... I just needed some air,” she stammered, trying to sound casual. 696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpbhlcx63xy
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“Air?” 696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw5B8TUVmlm
696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDKLoliMyeE
“Yeah... I couldn’t find the key, and I didn’t want to wake you or Celine.”696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCVJAG8B32g
696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYJV59uHWIH
...696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOuvtjOp2IC
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“You’re having withdrawals?”696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrFVjRTGUEf
696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzRQSKOvHLr
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.” 696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbhK4g67U1b
696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg5Ql2sgjEr
“Eve, no. You can’t—”696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf7NCWhWxtb
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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!” 696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQSQoVXKIlU
696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3L4UpmJ2Wv
“Eve, I don’t—” 696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU0TeldN6RW
696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhpKBiaeksv
“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!” 696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt2leiC5EuD
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Rob stayed silent, simply watching her. 696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsTksIbHuQd
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“Fuck!” she screamed, kicking the door hard. “Open the fucking door, Robby!” 696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5AElexJFIV
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He remained quiet.696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwkUUYfwS9v
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“Fuck!” she kicked again.696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYsdASYE7wQ
“Fuck!” another kick.696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡua7IGr8hpC
“Fuck!”696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmdpkoyWQWC
696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5iRfKLfnkf
“Fuck!”696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwetU2u2s0w
696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI0C7rzqlw3
“Fuck!”696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPGxnbOhyjO
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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.696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡimc7KNO0q1
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For a moment, she stood there, taking deep, ragged breaths. “I’m sorry.” 696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQYc4EIEHY7
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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.” 696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhfPDOPHWF6
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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.”696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjSW8m1bqUZ
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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!” 696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZAE7qeDaZb
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Rob didn’t respond. 696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIxlSbNuNjF
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“Fuck!” she screamed, grabbing a white plate from the table and threw it at him.696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy38fUXUYql
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Rob ducked, but the plate shattered against the wall behind him, and a shard grazed his cheek. 696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpCAhToxVgQ
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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?” 696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡajk7QBdyOY
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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!” 696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdXy6nQLYRP
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Celine turned to her, “He can’t open the door, Eve. I took the key.” 696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbRkSlZ1PH1
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“What?” 696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg4iFUOvSXl
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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.”696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyy9VN0LFNo
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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—” 696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEMk39wvHCL
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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!” 696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiI3wE4SHSl
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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. 696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMJy7VHgSH1
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“I killed my baby...” she said. “What the fuck do you know about pain like this?” 696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡALqiQxDsZx
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The room fell silent. Rob’s jaw tightened, his gaze dropping for a moment before he finally spoke.696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3TiWfAd8ik
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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.” 696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8GJ0rJwzuZ
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“Don’t come any closer!” she screamed, tears streaking her face. 696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVxl0qS8d5s
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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.”696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPG2NBiNdwL
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She shook her head, tears streaming down her face. 696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTWsfVTxcCP
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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.” 696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXCagVB3e45
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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.696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGxjhEhKTed
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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.696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX0AjUVkH97
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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.696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDsGEEHqbR7
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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.696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtxzQccVewn
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And then, four months later, she gave birth.696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkWqUPflXTs
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To a perfectly healthy baby girl.696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnQn5a4UKJs
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We named her Grace.696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqKKWjBpQaS
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The End.696Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcVWfX9b6Jo
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