18 Floors Above the Apocalypse

Chapter 593

As Stella and Jasper turned around, Rosie had already headed off to work on the farm. Cooper had stepped up as her gallant escort, while Snowflake had trotted off to the military base to find Delta.

Everyone knew which household had the craftiest and most ruthless pets. They strutted around the base without a care in the world. Despite their natural craving for meat, none dared to mess with the head honcho's domain. With their formidable strength, a showdown on a narrow path likely wouldn't end well for any challengers.

The pressing issue was that a critically ill patient hadn't been discharged yet, and the medical supplies were dangerously low. Stella, ever generous, donated her herbal remedies once again. Sure, Bran's support for her was a bit too obvious, but folks cared more about results than about political games.

After the moth plague, Stella's status had shot up, placing her on a high pedestal in the community's eyes. Stepping out of the hospital, she was greeted by everyone, whether she knew them or not.

"Stella."

"Stella."

"Captain Ginger."

Just as she entered the hospital, Stella looked up to see Staff Officer Si, Justice, and their two military guards. She caught one of the soldiers casting a lingering glance her way before quickly looking away. She gave him a subtle once-over.

Young, stern, with a posture as straight as a pine tree. He reminded Stella of Jasper in his younger days. Ah, to be young!

Being in Staff Officer Si's entourage meant he was no stranger to tough situations. His composure and breeding were evident. Could it be... Dylan?

Stella's mind raced. She soon noticed a resemblance to Austin in the young soldier's features. This wasn't just a change; it was a transformation. Dylan was now nearly twenty, in the prime of his youth, tall and sturdy, with sharp, resolute features. Standing around six feet tall, he was certainly a standout in these post- apocalyptic times.

Austin must have put in quite the effort to raise such a fine young man. Their eyes met, but neither spoke.

Justice broke the silence first, "Stella."

Stella smiled, "Staff Officer Si, Director Jiang, what brings you to the hospital?"

under the weather, picking up

to the severe shortage of supplies, doctors had stopped prescribing meds for minor conditions, advising patients to rest and rely on

for her. Not only did she have a supply of medicines,

his heart, he welcomed her presence and even looked forward to her joining the

Collin at the hospital, teaching a

had thought Griffith's grassroots beginnings would make for a struggle. Despite the military elite's hopes for a merger between the two cities, they knew

but an independent Griffith igniting a spark across the nation wouldn't be harmful-in fact, Willowbrook was ready to

Despite being smaller, Griffith was more complete in infrastructure than Willowbrook. Griffith's diligence demanded that Willowbrook couldn't afford

lecture inconspicuously, reminiscing about her campus life before the catastrophe. Collin's lessons were straightforward, focusing on disaster response and post-apocalyptic treatment, such as acid fog, blood-red sunlight, water pollution, soil parasites, and the recent toxic

the midday break, Stella escorted Collin back to

and handed

of chicken

parting ways. Then,

Snowflake from the military base. Delta had shed its puppy fat and, barely

blood, taming it was

Stella, the creatures flocked to her,

"Woof!"

"Howl...!"

looked leaner but also more toned. They were all part of the military

times, reluctantly, before settling into a somber silence. Perhaps it was missing Hugo. Wolves are pack animals by nature, but Snowflake had

the distance, lost

its side, comforting and clowning around

and along the way, she received many warm regards. The way people looked at her had changed-there was awe and admiration. But perhaps that wasn't quite accurate. It was more like devotion, filled with hope. Stella mused that

and Dylan eagerly took the hoe from her hands,