18 Floors Above the Apocalypse

Chapter 297

Watching Tracy repeatedly disrespect the old man, Bran had had enough. In a sarcastic tone, he said, "It's the 21st century, for Pete's sake. Women and men are supposed to be equal. A woman can hold her own just as well." The words stung. But in this post-apocalyptic world where everyone was just trying to keep their own houses in order, who had the energy to help others?

Tracy was a tear-streaked mess, but there were no knights in shining armor in sight. Everyone was too busy worrying about their own survival.

The majority ruled, and it seemed the majority of the homeowners had no objections.

There were 44 households in the neighborhood, which meant 44 people could be drafted for patrol duties. Split into two shifts, each group would have 22 people, ensuring round-the-clock security. Porch lights were lit across the neighborhood.

Cleaning up the corpses littering their yards was a grim task. The bodies would be piled up and set ablaze with gasoline. The well-off homeowners who had never done a day's manual labor in their lives were left with no choice but to roll up their sleeves and pitch in. Though some grumbled, no one dared voice their complaints. The Porras family held the most sway in the neighborhood, and their cooperation was crucial for everyone's safety.

The sight of the blood and gore was enough to make the bravest among them vomit.

Jasper and Stella didn't balk at the task. Their duties were heavy, especially since their area had seen the most casualties. Back home, they donned protective gear and got to work. They didn't shirk their duties, pulling and dragging the bodies.

Austin from Building 49 also joined in the cleanup effort, as his house had been affected too.

Dylan was scared but when he saw Rosie pitched in, he mustered his courage and joined them saying, "Dad, I want to help too."

Dylan was nearly 11 years old. It was time for him to toughen up. "Okay, just be careful," Austin said.

The number of dead was too many. The bodies were burned on the spot. After burning for several hours, nothing but ashes remained. The ashes were buried in a pit. Hopefully, the dead would be reborn in a world free of apocalypse.

the only adult in Building 49, he had to join the patrols, leaving people living in Building 50 in charge of taking

company, she even Cooper stay with him on

known that Austin was also equipped with gear-bulletproof vests, helmets,

contain her laughter.

duty, the whole family decided to adjust

her time reading and working out, while Rosie taught Dylan how to box. Cooper, on the other hand, slipped away to accompany

out to join in the excitement. But Bentley intervened. Now only two dogs in the neighborhood could play a role. Buddy had been assigned to another shift for

his gold-rimmed glasses. "Still denying that you have a

teased him back, "Don't

was palpable. "I live to

stay alive." Maybe the

still open.

about to take a drink

a woman's voice, and it sounded

persisted, calling out her name over and over. Wearing her military coat, she opened the

sadness. "Stella, I... I went to the orphanage

calm. "To make yourself

sob. "I'm sorry.

Stella cut her off coldly.

sorry, I was

ties?" Stella didn't mince her words. "You gave birth to me because you were afraid of becoming infertile from a miscarriage, which would have reduced your chances of marrying into a wealthy family.