Chapter 378

The dust from the desert storm had clogged the engine, leaving the SUV stranded miles from civilization. Bran had trudged the remaining distance, his boots kicking up the parched earth with every weary step.

The old man had given him a pistol and some first-aid supplies, but he'd been ambushed by a gang along the way. Bran had fought tooth and nail to keep them at bay, but over the months, even the half of the supplies he'd managed to protect had dwindled to nothing. Now, he was more destitute than a beggar, his stomach growling like an angry dog for want of a decent meal.

So, Bran swallowed his pride. "Sis, just put it on my tab, okay? I'll pay you back, with interest."

He wondered if the old man had settled down in Goldbridge or had met with disaster amidst volcanic eruptions or another dust storm. It had been too long without a word.

But worry was a luxury he couldn't afford not when his own survival was at stake, and he was nowhere near Goldbridge or Griffith.

Stella didn't want to make a fuss. "Sure, just remember the interest," she said, with a half-hearted attempt at sternness.

They had to keep scavenging, and time spent on Bran was time wasted. They gave him a crash course-a last-minute cramming session, as they called it.

Turns out, there were tricks to passing the military fitness tests.

Most civilians were clueless, but Jasper had once been in the service. He knew exactly what the Kindle Society would be testing for.

After a hearty meal, Bran received emergency training in both intellect and combat.

Stella didn't intervene; instead, she took Rosie and Cooper upstairs.

Hours later, they finally sent Bran on his way, his arms laden with provisions.

at the posh neighborhood meetups: Hawaiian

reminding you how

who had been moping since Bran's arrival. "What's up, Cooper?" she asked, scratching behind his

on the floor. Stella knew he missed Buddy. Whether man or

Buddy's name it would only make Cooper

a glass

the glass, Jasper slumped onto the sofa. "Bran's a quick study. He got the hang of the written material in no time, and his adaptability is impressive.

think he was playing up

a bad spot, but

would be like asking

Stella felt a pang

be his, it won't stay with him. You've done right by him and the Porras family. Time to let

future was unknown. When the tectonic plates eventually shifted, they might never cross paths

thought made Stella anxious. Disaster wouldn't wait for a convenient moment. They needed a submarine, and

a network of

who exploited their points to buy necessities for

and more had joined the trade. Of course, it was all

hands among traders, tracking

take time. With the imminent threat of cataclysm, the military needed those metals for escape tools. Priorities would dictate

agreed with her plan-to secure

to waste any more time, they set

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