18 Floors Above the Apocalypse

Chapter 365

Stella woke up feeling eyes on her. She rubbed her eyes and there he was-Jasper. Their gazes locked, neither wanting to look away.

"Stella, is this a dream?" His voice was rough, barely a whisper.

Stella tried to smile, but it came out more like a grimace. "Jasper, are you trying to scare me to death?"

Jasper's mind slowly cleared. He reached out and grabbed Stella's hand, this time with a warm, firm grip.

Stella gently touched his pale, gaunt face. "Why were you so reckless, giving your meds to Cooper?"

Jasper covered her hand with his, taking a moment before answering. "Cooper means everything to you. I wanted him to survive, to be there for you when I couldn't."

If he weren't so weak, Stella would have slapped him. "Jasper, you need to love yourself first. If you don't love yourself, how can you love anyone else?"

Jasper didn't argue. He just kept looking at her, unable to break the connection.

Stella leaned closer, resting her head on his chest. "Promise me you won't do anything this foolish again."

"I promise."

"And remember to love yourself."

it. I'll

go even for a second. Jasper felt her tears and

shoulder. "He saw the fireworks I set off and braved all the obstacles

given a nutrient IV and some nourishing soup. As he regained some strength, Stella

drifted back to the chaos. He hadn't been able to hold onto his sister's hand but had managed to clutch Cooper. The dust storm was brutal, flinging them around. When he came to, they were both injured, Cooper's belly slashed by a flying rock. Stumbling through the storm, they were tossed around

and with limited medical supplies,

then, he couldn't move and had

that, Jasper couldn't know. He never imagined Cooper would not only protect him but also find a way to save them both. Maybe it was fate if Cooper hadn't seen the fireworks,

dog's head. "Good boy." Cooper suddenly broke

Jasper tried to sit up, anxiety

Rosie. She's volunteering at the relief camp. She'll

back, but Jasper and Cooper were too weak. A crowded camp would make caring for them difficult,

in Arcadia for three days, but Stella had faith

leaving, Stella had told Rosie not to worry if she didn't return for a

are a bit stronger. No need

food for over ten days, even the strongest body

focused on a diet of fruits and

and Jasper grew anxious about Rosie. Stella had no choice but to leave

area littered with rotting carcasses. They covered their mouths and noses, carefully

couldn't walk. Driving back after the

secluded spot to hide Jasper and Cooper, leaving them with food, water, and a weapon. "Stay here.