18 Floors Above the Apocalypse

Chapter 595

With his daughter Stella taking charge of the kitchen, Daniel invited Staff Officer Si into the study for some fine English tea. "Stella's got some serious culinary skills. We just sit back and wait for a feast."

Staff Officer Si's eyes, ever perceptive, gleamed with admiration. "Top-notch tea. This must be another one of your daughter's thoughtful gestures."

Daniel chuckled. "When's the last time we just sat down and savored a cuppa like this?"

While the two men caught up in the study, Stella busied herself in the kitchen, and before long, dinner was served.

It was a simple meal, but Stella had put her heart into it.

Knowing that Staff Officer Si hailed from a region with a penchant for hearty flavors, Stella had prepared a zesty duck dish, generously seasoned with chili peppers, garlic, and ginger-a bold flavor that commanded respect.

True to form, Staff Officer Si hadn't tasted anything like it in ages, and his mouth watered at the aroma.

No wonder they say a man with a daughter has it all. Not only was she a pillar in the revival of Australian civilization, but her cooking was beyond reproach.

The meal wasn't just good; it was tailor-made to Staff Officer Si's tastes, a clear sign of Stella's heartfelt efforts.

Staff Officer Si ate with gusto and couldn't help but lament what Willowbrook had lost with Stella's departure.

Thinking of the Kindle Chest stacked in the transport ship, he couldn't resist broaching the subject again. "Daniel, does our old agreement still stand?"

Daniel feigned confusion. "What agreement?"

Staff Officer Si was not to be deterred. "We both have daughters now, and since Minnie is no more..."

The thought of his daughter caught in his throat, and he couldn't go on.

Daniel, filled with empathy, turned to Stella. "Stella, your Uncle Si and I had this pact that if I ever married and had a child, if they were of the same sex, we'd become godparents to each other's kids. Would you be okay with that?"

Back then, fresh from a breakup with Lillian and reeling from losing his child and lover, Daniel never considered he'd marry again, much less have another child, so he'd agreed without a second thought.

It was meant as a joke, but now Staff Officer Si was asking him to make good on

it.

The choice was Stella's to make.

Without hesitation, Stella filled a glass with wine and handed it over. "Godfather, may you live a long and prosperous life. May Willowbrook and Griffith bloom side by side."

taken

in one gulp. "Alright,

"Si, Stella can be impulsive and

at the dinner table grew lively, and they ate for

but the impending farewell cast

thousands of miles between their cities, who

a slight flush on their cheeks from

driver arrived to pick up Staff Officer Si, Daniel was slightly tipsy. "Stella,

cleaning up the table, Stella grabbed a gift bag and escorted Staff

looked at her with a mix of severity and softness. "Stella,

the answer. "Uncle Si, no matter where I am, as long as I have my roots, the fruit it bears will be Australian. Wouldn't a star

new familial ties at the dinner table were just bargaining

for benefits, and Stella's new status was of no

Staff Officer Si felt regret but

leaving Griffith tomorrow. I hope we get to meet

that mixed sternness with tenderness, he added, "The path

is not an easy one. Be

The rainbow after the

watching him depart, she turned back to the

up and was relaxing in his chair. "Has your Uncle Si

nodded. "Did you have me escort him

Since he came all this way,

didn't quite agree. "I think Uncle Si won't let

wouldn't be so easily appeased. If

with her insight.

seen through Staff Officer Si's schemes the moment he'd asked

was magnanimous enough to accommodate as long

Rosie returned home bathed in moonlight, looking up at the scattered stars shining like a myriad of

walked

brief reunion, neither knew quite what to say. Gone were

a deep breath,

but the road seemed to pass

would leave, and if he didn't speak

sweaty palms, he suddenly

over her shoulder, but Dylan