18 Floors Above the Apocalypse

Leaving Silver Asylum, the trio and their dog found themselves without a destination.

They couldn't return to their 18th-floor apartment, and they hadn't found a new place yet, so they were left to wander in the darkness. After such a night, they were all exhausted and in desperate need of rest.

Stella instructed Jasper to drive to a secluded, deserted area. Before Rosie could get out of the car, she pulled out the luxurious RV, worth millions.

The RV was large and luxurious, and more importantly, it was a two-bedroom and one living room setup. The interior of the RV might not compare to a house, but in the realm of RVs, it was top-notch.

The only downside was that although she found several keys and remotes, she couldn't find the main key to start the RV's engine. Nonetheless, they were more than content with the RV. Not only did it provide them with a place to stay, but it also saved them gas. To avoid drawing attention, they pulled the blackout curtains.

Despite the night's activities, they hadn't really eaten. Stella brought out a hot meal, calling Rosie and Cooper to the dining area. Their role in escaping danger was commendable, so they were rewarded with deliciously seasoned chicken thighs. While eating, Rosie suddenly asked, "Stella, what about the kids?" She referred to those around her age.

Stella reassured her, "Don't worry, the police are here. They'll take care of them."

Including the pregnant women and others, she believed Evan and his team would have proper arrangements. Some people might be glad to escape the hardship, while others might not. But that was none of her business now.

After destroying two bases in one day, she believed the survival route from Griffith to Swan Hill Beach would be quiet for a while. As for whether other hostile forces would establish roots in the future, Stella didn't know. But she hoped not.

After dinner, Rosie and Cooper watched cartoons in the living room while Stella filled the water tank and enjoyed a hot shower. She then sat on the couch eating fruit.

She stuffed a grape into Jasper's mouth, "Do you think those women in the house will turn us in?"

Although they didn't know what had happened, the trio with their dog was conspicuous, and they had previously met Evan. The connection wouldn't be hard to make.

There was indeed a risk. Jasper reminded her, "We should avoid him."

Griffith was big enough that running into him wouldn't be easy, and with their supplies well-stocked, they wouldn't need to roam around without a specific reason. Most of their time would be spent in their rooms.

Stella asked, "Where will we live in the future?"

Jasper pondered, "How about Eastwood Eden?"

After all, Mark had organized a rescue team after the earthquake, and it was free of charge. From what she had observed during the interview, the community members seemed to respect him.

Stella had no objections, "We'll go take a look tomorrow. If there are no problems, we'll rent it."

If there were issues, they could look for another place later.

Two years into the apocalypse, having a piece of Eden was no small feat.

It was already midnight, and sleepiness was creeping in. Their dog slept on the living room couch, Rosie took the small bedroom, and Stella and Jasper took the large bedroom.

Despite the sweltering 40-degree heat outside, the RV felt quite comfortable with the air conditioning on. Stella took out a thin blanket, turned off the light, and tried to sleep. Despite her exhaustion, she couldn't fall asleep, probably due to the excitement of the free haul. Stella took Jasper into the Arcadia, showing him their spoils of war. Pigs, cows, sheep, fish, seafood, they had it all.

Looking at the extra alcohol, Jasper asked, "Can we even finish all this?"

"We'll stock up. We can trade it when we need to."

With over 300 tons of diesel and gasoline, they had enough to fuel several off-road vehicles. As for the yacht, they would use it only when necessary, and it probably wouldn't consume much fuel.

Stella was worried about the cruise ship, "Can you drive it?"

Jasper admitted he couldn't.

That wasn't a problem; it was always good to be prepared.

Compared to everything else, Jasper was more interested in the weapons. All the weapons Bryce had stockpiled were top-quality. He couldn't help but start checking them out, "When we have some free time, I'll teach you how to use a sniper." Under the cool air conditioning, they slept soundly until dawn.

Before six o'clock, Jasper woke Stella up to pack up the RV, while he carried the still sleeping Rosie into the Hummer.

Breakfast was simple, milk and doughnuts, but there was an indescribable sense of happiness.

The sun rose quickly, and after a night, the intense heat hadn't subsided much. A new round of grilling under the sun began.

Plants were dying from lack of water, and the cracked earth was becoming sandy. The wind, carrying the heat, felt like a hot hairdryer blowing in their faces, mixed with sand dust.

This place used to be a fertile land in the south, but now all the rivers and water systems had disappeared, and the once vibrant fish ponds were no more.

Jasper drove back to Griffith, parking the car in the family building of the research institute.

In the morning, many families took advantage of the most precious time of the day to fan themselves or do some simple exercises. Some sat in groups under the eaves, talking about the beauty of the past and their confusion about the future.

Katie was also downstairs, occasionally looking outside, as if waiting for someone. Seeing the familiar Hummer, a smile appeared on her wrinkled face. She hurriedly greeted them, "Stella, Jasper, I'm so glad you're finally back."

In the apocalypse, accidents or disasters happened every day, and some people who left never returned. Even knowing that the young couple was extraordinary, Katie was still worried. The number of people she knew and trusted was dwindling. She was always on guard, even towards her seemingly friendly neighbors.

Truthfully, she missed the quiet life in Sunrise Sanctuary. She didn't have to wear a mask every day and constantly be on guard against others. So seeing the two of them, she felt exceptionally warm, like seeing family. Meeting Katie again, Stella was also pleased, "Katie."

To avoid drawing attention, Rosie and Cooper didn't get out of the car. Jasper went upstairs with Katie to get the rabbits. In case they were discovered, they were put in a box and carried downstairs. Learning about the cracks in the building, Katie sighed. That was her home for over twenty years.

After seeing them off, Katie returned to her room, only to find a package wrapped in newspaper on the corner of the table. Opening it, she found a piece of meat, about a pound.

She quickly went to the balcony, but the car was no longer in sight.

Oh, Stella! Tears welled up in Katie's eyes as she clutched the bacon.

...

With the air conditioning on, Cooper leapt into the trunk, busily getting acquainted with his old chew toys, his paws playfully toying with them.

Stella glanced ahead, "Heading to Eastwood Eden?"

Jasper nodded, "Let's check it out first. If it's suitable, we can move to Newtown after the post-earthquake reconstruction. If it's not, we'll find somewhere else."

They estimated that it would take about a year for Newtown to be ready.

Life in the post-apocalyptic world was a daily struggle, but before they knew it, two years had already passed. Now, with companions by their side, they believed that the coming year would pass quickly.