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.

was overwhelming: people crying, screaming, looting, the situation was utterly out of control. What to do? Oh God, show

clothes, eyes hollow, no food, and shoes with

let alone trying to make it to Goldbridge, hundreds of miles away. Just the

rooftop corroded by

her, pulling her back, as she screamed hysterically, "Leave me alone;

his frantic wife, he cried, "If you

his chest, "All

pleaded through tears, "I promised your

go on, please

groups, no one spared a moment to attend to a potential

human instinct,

as

and most people 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 using trucks, setting

cars could hardly move fast, and honking was

Blocking the way was the least of the problems; others threw stones at car

the doors, they would stomp

group would rush to hijack the

it on, it's just another

with military and police trying to maintain order, it was futile; people had lost the will to live, preferring a

their distance from the evacuation points

their armored vehicle, they were careful

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

turns driving and keeping

Alice and their dog Cooper remained on

had formed impromptu caravans, trying to get ahead of the

along the way, a stark reflection

was never as profitable as targeting

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

with a steel helmet secured.

headshot, and he

whether

grenade at them, her smile cold and