18 Floors Above the Apocalypse

Chapter 205

After they had finished moving, night had already fallen. Jasper and Stella ventured out one more time to return the rental truck.

As the darkness set in, the temperature started to drop, offering a much-needed respite from the heat.

They had disassembled two fire exit doors and, working together, they installed them at the entrance of their unit, locking them with a sturdy chain.

Jasper installed an alarm system, designed to emit a piercing sound if anyone tried to tamper with the lock. The hallway was transformed into a makeshift garage, barely large enough to accommodate their Hummer.

They hadn't figured out the character of the residents of Eastwood Eden, and with the vigilant Mark present, it would be risky to take any chances before understanding the situation thoroughly. They didn't park the Hummer inside Arcadia, but they did drain the gas tank.

Jasper was a hard worker, and he spent the night installing a stainless-steel door on the staircase of the apartment. This door was also electrified, adding an extra level of security.

Despite it being at night, it was still hot. Cooper was sprawled on the ground, too exhausted to even lift his tongue. Rosie was no exception, sweating profusely even in front of the air fan. Out of necessity, they spent the night installing air conditioning to keep them cool.

They hadn't installed the stainless-steel railing on the balcony yet, and without it, the curtains would billow with the breeze from the air conditioning.

They resigned themselves to the task, spending several hours installing a stainless-steel railing and bulletproof glass, before finally installing the air conditioning unit.

By the time they finished, it was already past four in the morning. Before long, dawn would break.

After a shower and with the cool breeze of the air conditioner on her skin, Stella fell into an exhausted sleep. Jasper tucked her in with a thin blanket, turned off the light, and lay down. When they awoke, it was nearly noon. The three of them, along with Cooper, sat down in their modest dining area for a brunch.

wiping the table before taking some hay to the

Jasper's industriousness. He even fetched water from the well located near building number 2. The well was usually locked. Each building had

the workers inadvertently filled his bucket more than usual, although it was still less than half full and

the workers. He showed Jasper how to filter the water, using a Mason jar filled with clean

him a homemade filter, but Jasper politely declined, taking his

the well water wasn't clean, getting access to it was not

speed of drilling couldn't keep pace with the depletion of the fresh water supply. The murky water was a reminder that the water level in Eastwood

Jasper called Rosie over and showed her how to survive in these tough conditions. He showed her how to let the dirty water settle, how

a patient teacher, ensuring that Rosie would have the skills to survive, should she ever

a comfortable lifestyle, Rosie was not spoiled. She took her lessons seriously, practicing again

large number of books before and after the disaster, and had acquired two large bookcases from Bryce. Stella

psychology books, skill manuals, children's literature, classic novels, romance magazines, and some adult content that was not suitable for children. Bryce

Swan Hill, had clashed over territory, resulting in mutual annihilation. The police had rescued 48 women and 9 children who had been subjected to abuse for a long time. The city

police had seized over 60,000 pounds of food and

identify criminal

was thrilled. "Stella, they really were rescued by the

saved," Stella reassured her, stroking her hair. "You played a big part

"You guys are even more

who hadn't received any praise,

said Jasper, acknowledging the dog's contribution. "Not many

it would have