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

on to distribute the medicine. Due to the severe shortage of supplies, doctors had stopped prescribing meds for minor conditions, advising patients

plans for critical patients. After a year of collaboration, he had nothing but respect for her. Not only did she have a supply

joining the team. After all, she had been instrumental during several crises. The director felt this way, and the medical staff

especially harmonious. Stella found Collin at the hospital, teaching a refresher

Griffith's grassroots beginnings would make for a struggle. Despite the military elite's hopes for a merger between the two cities, they knew from Daniel's personal letter that he was unlikely

with Griffith would have been a boon for expanding Australia's map, but an independent Griffith igniting a spark across the nation wouldn't be harmful-in fact,

and agricultural fields to Griffith, only to face a reality check. Despite being smaller, Griffith was more complete in infrastructure than Willowbrook. Griffith's

life before the catastrophe. Collin's lessons were straightforward, focusing on disaster response and

break, Stella escorted Collin

and handed

of

parting ways.

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

in its blood, taming it was no

the sight of Stella, the creatures flocked to her,

"Woof!"

"Howl...!"

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

silence. Perhaps it was missing Hugo. Wolves are pack animals by nature, but Snowflake had ousted Hugo for reasons that went beyond simple instinct. Every

into the distance,

comforting and clowning around to lift

changed-there was awe and admiration. But perhaps that wasn't quite accurate. It was more like devotion, filled with hope. Stella mused that she might indeed

Rosie? Rosie was hard at work, and Dylan eagerly took the hoe from her hands, working diligently under the sun. Their laughter and conversation were pure and heartwarming, just the sight of their silhouettes seemed to