18 Floors Above the Apocalypse

Chapter 594

After the land sank, everyone scrambled with the evacuating masses, getting separated from many familiar faces. Father and son managed to squeeze onto the evacuation ship amid the chaos.

Disease, darkness, and bloodshed were constants, an ultimate test of human nature. People were falling ill, dying, and going mad all around us. Looking back, it's hard to believe how we survived.

When we disembarked, our old comrades and their families were gone, leaving only our two solitary shadows. If it hadn't been for bumping into Monkey at the base, Austin might never have shaken off the gloom.

A mate to share a smoke and a drink with became the last man standing. Monkey had a keen eye, his hand tugging at Austin's sleeve, "Boss, should we tell him Rosie is still alive?"

"Monkey, Willowbrook is our new home now. We've got to plant our roots here." Austin reflected, "Jasper and the others have moved on, and who knows where. We might never see them again.

Dylan's life is just beginning; he can't be hung up on Rosie forever. He needs to slowly forget and start anew." Monkey believed without question, "Sis is a survivor, she'll flourish wherever she goes."

Austin had no doubt about their skills, Rosie included. But he didn't want his son to keep pining hopelessly. A son grows beyond his father's reach, and while Dylan's heart ached for Rosie, Austin knew she had been too young to feel the same way back then. Even if they met again now, grown up, they'd be worlds apart.

Having lived a full life, Austin understood the complexity of romance, especially in these apocalyptic times. Better to forget unrequited love early than to endure prolonged agony. So, Austin and Monkey kept silent about Jasper and Stella ever being in Willowbrook.

all, recognized Dylan's affection for Rosie. It was not love at first sight but a bond of childhood sweethearts. In peacetime, Stella would've wholeheartedly blessed their union, but now she hoped for a halt.

may be, or just a mother's wish, she hoped they would both remain sensible. Stella didn't want Rosie to journey across the world for love, nor did she wish

Poppy's direction, the farm was disinfected thoroughly, bustling with

of survival had instilled in Poppy an admiration for strength, and Stella, the legend of the base, naturally became her idol.

made a secret vow to herself to become a woman like Stella one day. Strong and confident, capable of overcoming any hardship. Stella's presence turned the usually

total peace of mind." She inspected the farm, finding everything clean and the poultry nearly back to normal. Stella pulled out a bag of homemade herbal tablets,

the farm back up to scale in no time." Stella warned against rushing for quick results, "Be prepared for both scenarios. While expanding, make

but decided against it. Rosie was grown up; she'd make her own choices. If Stella intervened, it

meeting of old friends. Daniel introduced them, "Stella, this is your Uncle

Staff Officer Si was immensely envious, "You're really lucky, old Gu, to have such a chosen daughter." Daniel beamed, "Yes, I am." Staff Officer Si's words were unexpected, "Do you remember what you once

year, we joked that if you ever had a child, we'd arrange a baby betrothal if they were of the opposite sex, or

sounded vaguely familiar to Daniel, but the memory was hazy. Minnie was impressive, and each time she saw him, she'd call him godfather. She was eventually transferred to the Kindle Society in the north,

"Old Si, are you eyeing my daughter?" Staff

you won't get my blessing." Staff Officer Si laughed, "You were a workaholic, and now you're a slave to your