BANG BANG BANG*
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Rob squinted at his phone. 3:33 AM.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR4RhR7RU2J
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“Rob…?” his wife mumbled, half-asleep. 213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkwoBjgYj0V
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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. 213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUIa9OlvN0R
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BANG BANG BANG*213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqKb58V6cTi
The knocking didn’t let up.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ldHAH55Ki
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“Who is it?” Rob called as he approached the door. 213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOamlVPIvJi
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“Robby… it’s me,” came a low, soft voice. 213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCylRLiPPHD
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He opened the door. “Eve?”213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsu909T58tH
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There, standing on his porch, was his younger sister. A smile stretched across her face. 213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjfPwh3q8kc
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“Hey, Robby! How ya doin’, bro?” Her tone was light and playful, almost too casual.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP4rj2nzqUC
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Before Rob could respond, Celine’s head peeked around the corner. “Eve?” 213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkfX5Kjg1g2
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Eve’s grin widened. “Celine! Hi.” 213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBUA4C1o7Sj
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“You’ll catch a cold out here,” Celine said. She reached out and gently pulled Eve inside. 213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT5Y9TXnE0K
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Rob shut the door behind them. “What happened? It’s the middle of the night.” 213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGY6xr1kGDG
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Eve shrugged. “I was taking a walk and thought I’d drop by. Y’know… say hi.” 213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxKAuE8P2r5
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“At 3 AM? It’s a four-hour walk from your house to here!”213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdIJtZNMOyS
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Eve tilted her head, genuinely perplexed. “Four hours? Huh. Didn’t feel like it.” 213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8sD3J5uSQd
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Rob exchanged a long, wordless look with Celine. Their unspoken thoughts buzzed between them like static. 213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkZJXQWKDsz
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“Are you hungry?” Celine asked, breaking the silence. 213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtkM6bvcEFy
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Eve nodded enthusiastically. 213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6qP5n32QTe
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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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1J8DVvUB3g
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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.”213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdgUFfZ8HzP
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Rob frowned. “Going? It’s 3 AM.” 213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuWfQAbJbWg
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“Yeah, so?” She stood, her carefree grin unwavering. 213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5o9VFRf3ow
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“You’re staying here tonight,” Celine said firmly. 213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBXY67nrSZ4
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Eve hesitated, her expression flickering for a moment. “Fine, thanks.” 213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCVmthD3UTw
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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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9II7obXWLW
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December 30, 2024213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBmyWh9mpWL
8:02 AM213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN9fRF8c2BJ
When Rob and Celine woke up, they were surprised to find Eve already making breakfast, standing by the stove with a bright smile.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ubZRRpTwR
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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. 213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡisV88DU8kd
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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.”213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFaON2meBL3
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“You’re leaving already?” Celine asked. 213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVSnseH2CoP
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“Yeah, got a few places to be.” 213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdSKm4KrRkE
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“Wait,” Rob said, disappearing into the bedroom. He returned with some cash. 213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbjZyKGeGQI
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When he entered the kitchen, he found Celine holding Eve’s hands in prayer. 213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBLTYZ6Q80w
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“...Amen,” Celine finished. “Will you join us at church tomorrow? It’s the last service of the year.” 213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrWz6fwbZ7N
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Eve hesitated, then nodded. “Yeah, of course… I’ll be there.”213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn00ur3jEVq
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Rob handed her the money. “Here, take a cab home, and keep the rest.” 213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2uU1udOqFH
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“Aww, Robby, you didn’t have to… Thanks. Take care. See you tomorrow.” 213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Kji61QnqE
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She left, the smell of bacon and eggs lingering in her wake.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRD0jB8yw4N
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12:22 PM213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTgYqDsD448
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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI1Y5RqvZS6
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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 was213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH0LDnvaHsg
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. 213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJh7GsYEG5E
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“We should try convincing her to move in with us again,” Celine said suddenly.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcq0MB781p8
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“Huh?” 213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5cnwcu68kk
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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. 213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ81cxVZ00fl
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“Yeah… Maybe she’ll be more willing to start fresh next year.” 213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFI1qU98TzE
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“I’ll talk to her after the service tomorrow. She likes me more, so she might agree.” 213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOQpcBhfmpR
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“Ha! She’s my sister, you know.” 213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfnzbKvCb1Y
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Celine smiled. “Exactly. That’s why she’ll listen to me.”213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzkOUx2NzBu
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December 31, 2024213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgezuko8IES
10:01 AM213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXONGRaVkuR
“Where is she?”213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ97dlxpk39B
Celine wondered, glancing toward the church doors each time they creaked open.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhjtoSpkoeP
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 2025213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfHP6e4da28
9:09 AM213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqIANUeFkDW
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. 213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ38ju3NqQlB
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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.” 213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDo40ivXaYH
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“But my stomach is too flat,” Eve said, her voice rising. “There should still be some hidden sign of pregnancy.”213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8dAtQqdxhL
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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—”213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUscxpdGXOB
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Lucy hesitated. “The most humane option would be to terminate the pregnancy now.” 213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpY5Q0TZ7Nv
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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?” 213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL5uarQQVTS
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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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ68incLSVC
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“Celine, could I speak with you outside for a moment?” Lucy asked, and Celine reluctantly followed her out. 213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqd4nZQeWAG
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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—” 213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHkfrihtoSH
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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.” 213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5eKKPhkU8q
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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.”213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzbc1xTRGdS
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Wthout another word, Lucy turned and walked away, leaving Celine standing in the hallway.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvFIGVNYY5W
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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. 213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡthWUIxmPYE
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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.” 213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ99huoL2e4g
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Eve nodded, her face pale and tear-streaked.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsMfRru18Y6
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11:11 AM213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH0z6Ffissm
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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTAJGIG1yCN
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The house was filled with an oppressive silence, broken only by Eve’s muffled sobs. 213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc9vnaNxAmZ
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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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVbmXdoEU9k
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2nd January 2025213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtJAtlnmd04
6:56 AM213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhTFgcKEMda
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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW206ThmhO5
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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. 213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUGlqFmUbKa
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“Eve?” 213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5SUBCTPiuu
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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. 213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuwk1zdaEGu
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“What are you doing?” he asked, stepping closer. 213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmxCGe2NBdL
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“I’m... Psh!... I just needed some air,” she stammered, trying to sound casual. 213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrmH2CXQdAI
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“Air?” 213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwXsSvQoI7b
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“Yeah... I couldn’t find the key, and I didn’t want to wake you or Celine.”213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ0VifoVdMq
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...213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyJ4MdlPulC
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“You’re having withdrawals?”213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5XxbJ2fIjP
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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.” 213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbQfG2ix4Fm
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“Eve, no. You can’t—”213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZTHXK0vB0y
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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!” 213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUsK9YMazTI
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“Eve, I don’t—” 213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFmjo4wTAIo
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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!” 213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBnoKxpehOx
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Rob stayed silent, simply watching her. 213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvuhP2JS0TW
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“Fuck!” she screamed, kicking the door hard. “Open the fucking door, Robby!” 213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4SqlOhFyfB
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He remained quiet.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIoRFoHfplf
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“Fuck!” she kicked again.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu2anKFPtNt
“Fuck!” another kick.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9zc5XnFOv3
“Fuck!”213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw6LRpa8NMy
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“Fuck!”213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtFBSunNR8L
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“Fuck!”213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡntz7TRYCwC
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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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvc9kfiASjZ
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For a moment, she stood there, taking deep, ragged breaths. “I’m sorry.” 213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzeQ6xCLjpG
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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.” 213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM2qtETjChr
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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.”213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3fGEpDUKGj
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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!” 213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcUq0bxgWAJ
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Rob didn’t respond. 213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC0APxcolwC
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“Fuck!” she screamed, grabbing a white plate from the table and threw it at him.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHjB75lkzag
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Rob ducked, but the plate shattered against the wall behind him, and a shard grazed his cheek. 213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxpVOMaJuI0
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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?” 213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡztflwEJ9qk
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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!” 213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYDPTtGe6VL
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Celine turned to her, “He can’t open the door, Eve. I took the key.” 213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxtbcIIwzYi
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“What?” 213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmTXrLYIG4E
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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.”213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡenjVn1RhGM
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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—” 213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3QlUkvCL4B
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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!” 213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxBFSq7J0xa
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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. 213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtbSo4GnFli
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“I killed my baby...” she said. “What the fuck do you know about pain like this?” 213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4CNNMiPJhl
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The room fell silent. Rob’s jaw tightened, his gaze dropping for a moment before he finally spoke.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXztzl8mtiD
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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.” 213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbDNbj2Q4xi
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“Don’t come any closer!” she screamed, tears streaking her face. 213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg5nNR63Xlq
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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.”213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2QfsM3SyB6
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She shook her head, tears streaming down her face. 213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh1SF97OZiy
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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.” 213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKZzlgEfXA8
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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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOnBsWpTxNL
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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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnXlr4Ac4M7
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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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR6egl62RYg
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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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡablnLjULNj
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And then, four months later, she gave birth.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzjS21qM56z
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To a perfectly healthy baby girl.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu7GmdN9Shz
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We named her Grace.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2qJ3iXIegu
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The End.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs1qlf5X3VY
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