18 Floors Above the Apocalypse

Chapter 222

Upon drawing closer, they saw a boy of about ten years old, ceaselessly trying to shift the rubble of a collapsed wall. Beneath the wall lay a woman, her blood long since dried, her body rigid and cold.

The ten-year-old boy, who had already grasped the concept of death, stubbornly continued his futile attempts to move the debris. But he was just a scrawny little kid, lacking the strength necessary for such a task. Even as his hands became raw and bloody, the wall remained immovable.

Jasper stepped forward, lending a hand to move the heavy rubble. Once the wall was removed, the boy desperately tried to rouse the lifeless body of his mother. A little girl joined him, her voice hoarse from crying. Unfortunately, no matter how much they called out to her, the woman would never open her eyes again.

Rosie's eyes reddened as she tightly clutched her brother's hand.

Stella asked the sobbing little girl, "Do you have any other family members at home?"

The little girl shook her head, "My grandparents and dad are all gone."

Stella pulled out a bottle of water from her backpack and handed it over. The thirsty little girl gulped it down gratefully, thanking Stella.

After drinking half of it, she passed the bottle to her brother. The boy held the bottle tightly but didn't drink.

Jasper patted his head, "You're older than your sister. You understand what's happening. You need to accept reality. Take your sister to the city and look for the official rescue teams. They will take care of you. Don't linger here. Go immediately."

The place was too remote, and the two defenseless children were in great danger.

silent, continuously

bottle of water along with five or six packs of crackers, "Hide these well, and don't let anyone find out. Go to

you." The boy choked

running out,

but glance back,

holding his sister's hand, and the little girl was occasionally glancing back at their destroyed

lightly injured. Most of them were homeless, while some stubbornly searched through the ruins for their belongings. Some of them stopped Stella

injuries and desperate pleas, their eyes had a calculating glint. Stella ignored them

any further. This delay gave the little boy and girl a chance to catch up. With a face full of dirt,

the buildings had collapsed. Only a fraction remained standing,

surviving structures gave

faces numb and hopeless. Without food or water, and now without homes,

issuing earthquake warnings. Despite repeated broadcasts, there were still many casualties. Many had the chance to flee but couldn't bear to leave their possessions behind. The rescue team had just pulled a body from the wreckage, a man in his fifties or sixties. His movements were slower compared to young people, and he was still clutching a quilt, unwilling to let go even in death.

around, and said to the boy, "Go find the

moment, but finally went over. He said something, and

confused and hesitant. He came back, took his

deep breath and handed over a folding knife. "Take good care of your sister. Don't tell strangers that your

word, she turned and walked away, not looking back. She didn't miss the unease and helplessness in his eyes, but what could she do? In this life or the past, there have been too many