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.

a strange way of weaving its threads. Years apart, when they met again, Rosie was holding her own, and Dylan had emerged anew. Love is not easily concealed in one's gaze. Stella, having been through it 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

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 for

thoroughly, bustling with the task of incubation. They had to move quickly

The Porras family also suffered from moth powder allergies, but thanks to Stella's timely care, they recovered quicker than most. The harsh reality of survival had instilled in Poppy an admiration for strength, and Stella, the legend of the base, naturally became her idol. Especially after the moth extermination,

become a woman like Stella one day. Strong and confident, capable of overcoming any hardship. Stella's presence turned the usually assertive Poppy

good hands with you. I have 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, "With the current unstable environment, the poultry are prone to sickness. I've prepared some medicine, with symptoms and dosages all written down. Just administer

farm back up to scale in no time." Stella warned against rushing for quick results, "Be prepared for both scenarios. While expanding, make sure to keep a reserve of fertilized eggs in case of an outbreak." Poppy looked embarrassed, "Alright, I'll increase the reserve

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

Daniel arrived too, along with Staff Officer Si. Without guards or Justice, it was a simple meeting of old friends. Daniel introduced them, "Stella, this is your Uncle Si. They're heading back

a smile, "Hello, Uncle Si.” 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

child, we'd arrange a baby betrothal if they were of the opposite sex, or a sworn sibling bond

she'd call him godfather. She was eventually transferred to the Kindle Society in the north, and they hadn't seen each other

you eyeing my daughter?" Staff Officer Si nearly choked. But he caught on

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