18 Floors Above the Apocalypse

Chapter 312

Lukas approached Stella with a proposal, "Hey Stella, our place is like Grand Central Station-everyone's always around, and we've got no room to store supplies. Can we stash our stuff at your place until we find a spot?" Stella was cool with it. "Sure thing, I've got some connections here. If you guys are craving a steak or something, just let me know in advance, and I'll see if I can trade for it."

The gang was thrilled, feeling a fresh wave of hope wash over their tough lives.

After they had eaten their fill, Cody got down to business. "Stella, we're thinking of quitting the neighborhood watch." Now that they weren't scraping by, putting life and limb on the line didn't seem worth it.

Stella was genuinely happy for them. "That's great news. These dark times are way too risky. Once we weather this storm, you can always look for work again."

Once the meal was over and they had played a few rounds of cards with Cooper, it was time to say goodbye.

Stella handed over some lentils and chickpeas for them to take home-sprouting them for a change of pace from the constant diet of cornmeal porridge.

As they were leaving, she fished out a set of keys from her pocket. "The house is pretty secure, and I reckon it'll stay quiet for a while. My other place is just sitting empty, so feel free to crash there until we need to figure something else out." With their performance today, she knew that if the day ever came when the neighborhood fell, she trusted them to do right by her.

But Cody declined, "Thanks, but that's a lot to ask of you. Besides, we're not doing too bad now. We'll find a bigger place when the time comes."

After closing the gate behind them, Stella sat on the couch. Her earlier smiles and warmth were replaced by a touch of uncertainty.

Jasper came over. "What's up?"

After a moment, Stella shared her concerns. "I took the helicopter and fuel for myself. Do you think that's unfair?"

now, what happens the next time something like this comes up?" Jasper felt it needed to be said, even if it might upset Stella. "We've all

day, on the 18th floor, they were all in it together. But times had changed. Cody and Kitty

you still care about Cody and the rest, and they care about you. But the world's changed, and so have

others; life just had different levels now, and stockpiling supplies together like in the

insist on splitting everything equally, it might make them overlook that even friendship has boundaries. If they get used to it, you

reflect on their own needs. Stella probably knew this deep down, which is why she claimed the helicopter and fuel. Jasper's words helped

for a while, haven't you?

put up with?" In a world without

shoulder. "If I ever get out of line, let

a moment, Jasper teased,

me to thank you?"

mischievous grin, Jasper suggested, "Call

and whispered

still playing downstairs when the adrenaline-fueled Jasper scooped her up. "Enough excitement for now.

...

became much quieter, and there hadn't been any trespassers scaling the walls of the neighborhood for several

the prolonged darkness and developed keen ears. Sometimes, they could identify who it was just by the sound of footsteps. Different heights, sizes, ages, and types of shoes produced distinct sounds, not

bets during their patrol duties, playing a game of guessing based on the sound of footsteps.

a familiar dog barking could be heard from outside. Cooper immediately stood up, feeling a bit excited as his tail wagged. It seemed that Cooper really liked Buddy. Stella let him out for some fun-standard rules, just within the yard. When she opened the door, she saw Buddy wasn't alone;

it was Bran, all bandaged up, and she almost burst out laughing. "What happened to