18 Floors Above the Apocalypse

Chapter 353

Alice and Tom weren't rushing to head out. They waited for about an hour, understanding that leaving too soon to gather supplies might mean running into familiar faces.

Alice gazed out the car window, a hint of sadness in her voice, "I want to say goodbye to Dylan."

Tom nodded, "Go ahead."

In their neighborhood, there were plenty of kids, but Alice was always selective with her friends. Over the years, she had grown particularly close to Dylan.

But sometimes, being close wasn't the best thing, especially in a world torn apart by disasters. Emotional ties could lead to heartache or even gut-wrenching pain when faced with separation or death. Alice handed Dylan a drawing, "Dylan, I'm leaving. This is for you."

Dylan looked stunned, handing her a rag doll in return, "Alice, when I grow up, I'll find you."

Alice paused, then smiled warmly, "I'd like that."

In no time, they were no longer kids. Alice was as tall as her Aunt Stella, and Dylan was nearly as tall as his dad.

In a peaceful world, they might still be considered youngsters, but in this harsh new reality, they were seen as adults.

Dylan knew there was a gap between him and Alice. He wasn't ready to join the Kindle Society yet, but he believed he would be one day.

As he turned to leave, he grabbed her hand, panic and resignation in his voice, "Alice, will you wait for me?"

Alice knew the Kindle Society might not be the best choice for her brother and sister-in-law, and the future was uncertain.

But looking into Dylan's hopeful eyes, she couldn't bring herself to be brutally honest, "Sure."

Striving for the Kindle Society was a good goal and wouldn't hurt him.

Dylan stood at the door, watching her walk away.

Austin put his arm around his son's shoulders, "Come on, stop looking. When you're strong enough, you'll catch up to her."

Dylan stared in the direction Alice had disappeared, silently vowing to himself.

the situation was utterly out of control. What to do? Oh God, show us a way

no food,

make it to Goldbridge, hundreds of miles away. Just the thought

on a rooftop corroded by acid rain, her foot half off

pulling her back, as she screamed hysterically, "Leave me alone; I don't want to

"If you die, what about me, what about

gone," she beat his chest, "All three of

husband pleaded through tears, "I promised

to go

some in groups, no one spared a moment to

still wanted to live; it was human instinct, even if they

as far as

traveled in groups, from the same village or the same building, sticking together in hope of surviving the disasters. While the lower-class survivors relied on their feet, officials transported essential goods and personnel

hardly move fast, and honking was out

nothing left to lose, and in their agitation, they were quick to violence. Blocking the way was the least of the

you didn't open the doors, they would

group would rush

it on, it's just another

military and police trying to maintain order, it was futile; people had lost

kept their distance from the evacuation points and took back

in their armored vehicle, they were careful not to let their

trying to escape; criminals were too, robbing as they fled, and you never knew

turns driving and

back seat, Alice and their dog Cooper remained on high

dirt roads were rough, and many survivors had formed impromptu caravans,

the way, a stark reflection of

on the weak was never as profitable as targeting

vehicle was like a juicy steak, signaling with hands or glances, plotting to

clad in a bulletproof vest with a steel helmet secured. Lowering the window, she

and

crowd froze, unsure of whether to continue or

a grenade at them, her smile cold and