18 Floors Above the Apocalypse

Chapter 113

"Actions speak louder than words," Stella thought, deciding to treat her friends to a special meal. It was a perfect excuse to do something nice. "I have some frozen fish. How about some grilled fish?" They also had some pork belly and rabbit stew that could go with it.

Grilled fish? The trio's mouth watered instantly. "No problem at all!"

Cody's face lit up with admiration. "Stella, you sure know how to stock up."

Stella rolled her eyes at him. "Isn't it obvious? While you guys were busy enjoying your beer and steaks, Cooper and I were eating bread and veggies, always holding back from indulging." "Woof!" The dog looked hurt. He had been surviving on bread for days, and he was getting skinny.

Lukas defended himself. "We didn't hide the fact we were eating meat from you."

They were like family. Who could hide anything from anybody? Stella smirked, "Are you sure you two didn't sneak off to have a drink?"

Both men seemed surprised, "No, no, we didn't."

What was wrong with a man having a drink when he felt low? They didn't have much, just a few sips and a bite of jerky every now and then.

Lukas, desperate to prove his innocence, turned to Angela, "Honey, I swear I didn't. Please, believe me."

The noise at the door alerted them, and out came Jasper from his apartment.

"Right," Stella nodded. "What do you and Rosie like to eat? I'm not only hosting but cooking as well."

not picky," Jasper replied. "You're a good cook, so

glances. While it was known that Jasper was a disaster in the kitchen,

skills, he never received any

was already singing her praises. His double

they

you're not picky." What was there to be picky about? In a post-apocalyptic world, having a meal was a

the food. She picked a decent-sized fish from her stock, got the home-reared rabbit ready, and cut about four pounds of

the fish and meat. Without any barbeque sauce,

of exquisite chocolates was also set

she went over to room 1803 to

followed Stella into the kitchen,

With the cold weather outside, she was more than happy to let Jasper

and left to slow-cook over the stove. The enticing aroma nearly had everyone drooling. The rabbit was stir-fried, and before adding the spicy

it was time to grill the fish. After charring it over the fire, she placed it in a pot with the spicy soup mix, adding mushrooms and other side dishes. The pot was then placed over the charcoal stove to simmer slowly. Meanwhile, Rosie was nestled on the couch, sketching, while Cooper sat next to her, supervising. Stella looked at Rosie's drawing and something seemed off. "Rosie,

mix of circles and crosses, somewhat abstract, but one couldn't expect

is my brother, this is you, this is me, and this is Cooper. We're all holding hands, living happily in our

was surprised. Why did Rosie draw her and Jasper together, living in the

show her surprise, "Rosie, your drawing

by the praise, her smile as bright

asking, "Rosie, why did you only draw