x
BANG BANG BANG*
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Rob squinted at his phone. 3:33 AM.70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8sg9Ectrq3
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“Rob…?” his wife mumbled, half-asleep. 70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpo4l1kx17I
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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. 70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEYHGXHpRmG
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BANG BANG BANG*70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR5Yiye2E2A
The knocking didn’t let up.70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXMreCYvlua
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“Who is it?” Rob called as he approached the door. 70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8dTH1ryxLw
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“Robby… it’s me,” came a low, soft voice. 70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFGd6Vogqb9
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He opened the door. “Eve?”70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYFmw0NBI0x
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There, standing on his porch, was his younger sister. A smile stretched across her face. 70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgh5gQ7hUdi
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“Hey, Robby! How ya doin’, bro?” Her tone was light and playful, almost too casual.70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8kApNaZFqK
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Before Rob could respond, Celine’s head peeked around the corner. “Eve?” 70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOUMcI6YMZE
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Eve’s grin widened. “Celine! Hi.” 70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHQWk2URDkY
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“You’ll catch a cold out here,” Celine said. She reached out and gently pulled Eve inside. 70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBEMu55eakL
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Rob shut the door behind them. “What happened? It’s the middle of the night.” 70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVaCc2OhO9N
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Eve shrugged. “I was taking a walk and thought I’d drop by. Y’know… say hi.” 70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPET28SDfyy
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“At 3 AM? It’s a four-hour walk from your house to here!”70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDaNjaHBDon
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Eve tilted her head, genuinely perplexed. “Four hours? Huh. Didn’t feel like it.” 70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbDijSOkwYQ
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Rob exchanged a long, wordless look with Celine. Their unspoken thoughts buzzed between them like static. 70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxRw2njYb7H
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“Are you hungry?” Celine asked, breaking the silence. 70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjk106aHHtR
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Eve nodded enthusiastically. 70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB1ZaiLWNAf
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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.70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSFXI0JumoE
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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.”70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjxLw1bBpio
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Rob frowned. “Going? It’s 3 AM.” 70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1iUCv8W1Y6
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“Yeah, so?” She stood, her carefree grin unwavering. 70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8JDHvHiQXn
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“You’re staying here tonight,” Celine said firmly. 70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXN7gRwAgi4
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Eve hesitated, her expression flickering for a moment. “Fine, thanks.” 70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhkfHD2au9c
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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.70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoLpAvuA5qx
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December 30, 202470Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnqUyDfNUSP
8:02 AM70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzDbfWPaqb8
When Rob and Celine woke up, they were surprised to find Eve already making breakfast, standing by the stove with a bright smile.70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfVz1fHxGjB
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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. 70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmQsmtNEDrO
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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.”70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7EDVv5KYi8
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“You’re leaving already?” Celine asked. 70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrgnlnhETN6
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“Yeah, got a few places to be.” 70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2cRAPaVA6y
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“Wait,” Rob said, disappearing into the bedroom. He returned with some cash. 70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOMBFNdpCBC
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When he entered the kitchen, he found Celine holding Eve’s hands in prayer. 70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhPaueFDJpJ
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“...Amen,” Celine finished. “Will you join us at church tomorrow? It’s the last service of the year.” 70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZEPwE40Uas
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Eve hesitated, then nodded. “Yeah, of course… I’ll be there.”70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgs7TnCLnx0
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Rob handed her the money. “Here, take a cab home, and keep the rest.” 70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6aZQ9dlSrd
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“Aww, Robby, you didn’t have to… Thanks. Take care. See you tomorrow.” 70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiiHqdL2KvI
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She left, the smell of bacon and eggs lingering in her wake.70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfAulWqzmBd
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12:22 PM70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC0akl2GX1b
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.70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwjkPTB1DXJ
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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 was70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI1xFSgtBaQ
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. 70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡThyFzf6we1
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“We should try convincing her to move in with us again,” Celine said suddenly.70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBYukjN2nPo
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“Huh?” 70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdiijRKqtce
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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. 70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7udNiUp2d8
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“Yeah… Maybe she’ll be more willing to start fresh next year.” 70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFvwLau8koA
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“I’ll talk to her after the service tomorrow. She likes me more, so she might agree.” 70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡto5GatH710
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“Ha! She’s my sister, you know.” 70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb9dJriEcg8
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Celine smiled. “Exactly. That’s why she’ll listen to me.”70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmIQy1Dqma0
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December 31, 202470Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZiOQYu66dt
10:01 AM70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG0QPZrv3Ua
“Where is she?”70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQUWY75ZIfy
Celine wondered, glancing toward the church doors each time they creaked open.70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdlwJ9JvPim
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 202570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvCw0fX3IZV
9:09 AM70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnUaahwRaJ9
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. 70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy4MB9EGYsw
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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.” 70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIo69qXEDIn
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“But my stomach is too flat,” Eve said, her voice rising. “There should still be some hidden sign of pregnancy.”70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkUciu6Efty
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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—”70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFhe4WdEHh7
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Lucy hesitated. “The most humane option would be to terminate the pregnancy now.” 70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw2PuxgUV5t
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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?” 70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxpEfdgmdlC
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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.70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrOtT3ws8Fa
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“Celine, could I speak with you outside for a moment?” Lucy asked, and Celine reluctantly followed her out. 70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9pGT10srq2
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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—” 70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoDZfIqG1EO
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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.” 70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdHQRpLyU3M
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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.”70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcwPf8u2p4P
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Wthout another word, Lucy turned and walked away, leaving Celine standing in the hallway.70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPpb2ReLH7Q
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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. 70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHlFalzu4IV
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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.” 70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRIuL6g0t3X
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Eve nodded, her face pale and tear-streaked.70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvsF3iupWAd
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11:11 AM70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZdAsmWPgdT
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.70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLzY7UP7wzC
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The house was filled with an oppressive silence, broken only by Eve’s muffled sobs. 70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYrwNCze8bX
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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.70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr7MNS4QAg3
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2nd January 202570Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4d6SgJR34v
6:56 AM70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfrt3Er6mE9
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.70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFJRco7EpAs
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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. 70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcbR5WUNgoa
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“Eve?” 70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXDPyPhNlwU
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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. 70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmnl8Mz6x5O
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“What are you doing?” he asked, stepping closer. 70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaZC3lOPfqF
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“I’m... Psh!... I just needed some air,” she stammered, trying to sound casual. 70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVL4GFbGY9n
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“Air?” 70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH9IHiMP3ev
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“Yeah... I couldn’t find the key, and I didn’t want to wake you or Celine.”70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ29FO86KmmP
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...70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8dlYdr4Blh
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“You’re having withdrawals?”70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡodONA0ac6o
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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.” 70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp47epwOYW4
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“Eve, no. You can’t—”70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhkkw0ihcxd
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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!” 70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡurHiOpJbzD
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“Eve, I don’t—” 70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7dQOVj4163
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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!” 70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdecOvKnWtb
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Rob stayed silent, simply watching her. 70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgewtTbsxUG
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“Fuck!” she screamed, kicking the door hard. “Open the fucking door, Robby!” 70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ92xWOMwF7f
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He remained quiet.70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxXIAELm0TJ
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“Fuck!” she kicked again.70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Ov9uzGfyY
“Fuck!” another kick.70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp7kj8jlIAR
“Fuck!”70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYry2fwvTSm
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“Fuck!”70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs6MgzNzrfW
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“Fuck!”70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3yvcNUQhRZ
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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.70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf0xoGykOqj
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For a moment, she stood there, taking deep, ragged breaths. “I’m sorry.” 70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Wr1wHQHaJ
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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.” 70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGnxi8lHKkr
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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.”70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9jZAcbUKnE
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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!” 70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZQ6ZtykfUl
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Rob didn’t respond. 70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwvjJySzLUP
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“Fuck!” she screamed, grabbing a white plate from the table and threw it at him.70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZcirBaS8il
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Rob ducked, but the plate shattered against the wall behind him, and a shard grazed his cheek. 70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNvIjK3aAQG
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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?” 70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfxRbw3UN5V
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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!” 70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTqMhODZC2r
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Celine turned to her, “He can’t open the door, Eve. I took the key.” 70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQdc9KFbVN9
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“What?” 70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAq66VRlEFJ
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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.”70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPNVqGoCpgw
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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—” 70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiO1DgHQDvQ
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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!” 70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaQYwCSniRn
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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. 70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyCUmoaaCUy
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“I killed my baby...” she said. “What the fuck do you know about pain like this?” 70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ61D8XM6g4S
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The room fell silent. Rob’s jaw tightened, his gaze dropping for a moment before he finally spoke.70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv8gMtfY3QC
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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.” 70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu0NThFpsSM
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“Don’t come any closer!” she screamed, tears streaking her face. 70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnTo4TkWppI
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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.”70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6zMvSnUESB
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She shook her head, tears streaming down her face. 70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa4EM3T8z3F
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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.” 70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcGKojtKNHc
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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.70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡopyOdMGTen
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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.70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlxQxWV3MPR
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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.70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgDAglFFmTV
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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.70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG3PlTd05AY
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And then, four months later, she gave birth.70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt4d75NsSQ7
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To a perfectly healthy baby girl.70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWwwCQvkMAa
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We named her Grace.70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe5VUXiOMtq
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The End.70Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb61ZvmcBN5
