18 Floors Above the Apocalypse

Chapter 335

The cries of the victim were futile in the affluent neighborhood plagued by a vicious virus. With everyone's strength sapped, no one had the energy or inclination to come to the aid of another. Finders keepers was the unspoken rule, though some homeowners fought tooth and nail to protect their property, often paying with their lives or being spat upon with a virus-laden bloody cough. The chaos in the villa district was different from the rioting in the streets. As long as no one broke the unspoken truce, a veneer of civility and composure remained intact.

Whispers and jealous rumors did circulate about the two families who had received more supplies, but the four individuals who managed to thrive in these apocalyptic times paid them no mind. If no one knocked on their door, life went on as usual. If anyone dared to cause trouble, they'd pay a steep price.

Several had eyed the property at building 50, but any attempt to take it by force was thwarted by Angela and Kitty, who, despite being women, had a ferocity that men often lacked. After a few close calls that left would-be invaders clutching their sides, building 50 was left in peace.

Angela went through the supply list. "Stella, anything here you need?"

Stella had no want for extra supplies, but since Angela had asked, she played along. Stella pretended to give the list a thorough look before pushing it back. "We're good for now, but we'll let you know if that changes."

Up on the rooftop, the men worked to install solar panels while Angela and Kitty busied themselves in the kitchen. The illness had left everyone weakened, and it was vital to regain strength as soon as possible.

Nearly all of Kitty's carefully reared poultry had died, save for a lone hen and drake, plus a couple of quails. Kitty decided to cook the drake, tossing together dishes like crispy kale with scrambled eggs, and spicy pepper stewed with dried greens.

None of the dead animals were wasted; they were either cooked thoroughly or preserved for future use.

Knowing Jasper and Stella's standards, Kitty hesitated to serve them the preserved meat. The last thing she wanted was for anyone to fall ill because of her cooking.

Stella, helping with the installation, mentioned, "Experts say the volcanic ash might be acidic. If it doesn't clear up soon, it might contaminate the soil. And if it rains, aren't we looking at acid rain? You might want to cover those panels with something to protect them from erosion."

already considering the same. "We've been thinking about building a glass enclosure. It's costly, and not easy to get, but we're trying to find

wondered if it might be worth asking for a favor from Evan,

agreed, "Yeah, pull some

a success, providing a modest power supply despite the heavy smog. It was enough

these years. Without you, we'd be nothing but bones by now." "Don't talk like that," Stella retorted sharply. "Friends look out for each other. Besides, if you hadn't taken that

as the food,

are you planning to do with the property across from the precinct?" Stella

it as a precaution, but since they had managed to keep the neighborhood

wasn't sure. "Should we sell

gone, the remaining few lacked the strength to enforce the old rules. They could continue paying rent, or just as

smog might not lift for a while, and the authorities have

a leisurely stroll around the neighborhood. As she passed the grandest villa, she caught a glimpse of a slender figure leading a little

voice sounded familiar, and it took Stella a moment

son's other arm when he couldn't move past his heartbreak. She had nearly

or had luck favored him, bringing his girl back from the

much for Bentley's affairs, but she did worry about Hugh. Those

longer resembling a ghost town. Despite low visibility, people started to venture out-some to

by the disaster, bold thiefs sneaked in, hoping to

as the thief thought he'd found the perfect mark, which seemed dead, not a soul in sight, out popped this woman, thin as a rail and pale as a ghost, clad in nothing

aback and said. "Hey, easy there, don't cough! Watch the droplets. Relax, I mean no