18 Floors Above the Apocalypse

Chapter 332

Stella barely dodged in time, a spray of crimson narrowly missing her shoes. When she saw what was causing the commotion, she couldn't help but be flabbergasted.

This creature was at it again, making a scene. Last time it was covered in cuts and bruises; this time, it decided to greet her with a mouthful of blood.

Cooper was ready to pounce, his body tensed for an attack, before realizing the commotion was just his own mutt causing trouble. He stepped back with a look of disdain, a low growl rumbling from his throat as he scolded the dog for its shameless behavior. His growl softened into a worried whine, showing his concern despite the scolding.

The two dogs communicated in their own canine way.

Buddy sprawled on the ground, coughing weakly and wagging its tail at Stella, exposing its soft underbelly. In just over a month, the once majestic and imposing beast had become emaciated, hardly drawing breath.

Stella, speechless, sprayed the blood with disinfectant before cleaning the dog thoroughly and dragging it into the backyard.

It had been over a month since she was home. Jasper and Rosie had taken care of the interior, while Stella found some rope to secure Buddy's limbs. He was nearly the size of a grown man, and a single dose seemed about right.

While she was at it, Stella checked on Smoky and Snowy. The haze virus was rampant, and she had feared she'd return to find them gone. To her surprise, they were huddled together, pecking at dry grass.

It seemed the haze virus was less severe on poultry, or Cooper wouldn't have recovered so quickly.

The bunnies didn't even acknowledge Stella's presence.

Cooper stayed by Buddy's side, worried about getting blood on himself, yet not wanting to stray too far and lose sight of the situation.

Stella didn't bother with Buddy any further and headed upstairs after disinfecting Cooper.

For the past month, except for a short rest while she was sick, she had been working nonstop. Even her iron constitution was wearing thin.

were unimaginable, and the virus was prone to mutation. There was no room for complacency. She turned on the air purifier, showered

everyone needed a

soup, braised pork knuckles, and seafood. The three of them, along with Cooper,

check on Buddy. The stubborn dog was still breathing. Despite being at death's door, he didn't forget to wag his tail at Stella, his

see him like this and untied the ropes binding his limbs,

eating, Buddy didn't leave. His large yet gaunt frame curled up in a corner of the yard, his watery eyes full of helplessness,

"Bark!"

its eyes filled with a pitiful longing as it stared at its leader. Stella sighed and

discussed with Jasper, "How should

northern islands, spreading in all directions. Everyone had their selfish

less fortunate wouldn't get the medicine soon. Many wouldn't

doses, and Buddy had already claimed

outbreak I experienced. Many people only have a few days from onset to death.

with the reality of this unpredictable and cruel catastrophe. She picked up the radio and started contacting people, not prioritizing by

a voice finally came through-racked with coughs,

"Uncle Austin,

keeps talking about you. He says he's got to see you one more

by a

father and son were still breathing, Austin in particular sounding terrible. But

noise, to tears, to pleas for medicine, and then to a quiet stillness as no one spoke anymore. Every day brought new infections, new deaths. The haze made the air thick and still, carrying the smell of

homeowners joined in, donning protective gear or wrapping themselves in sheets

one knew the exact death toll, but they cleared the bodies every

days. But they had to press on, to avoid unbearable conditions and prevent the spread of disease or