18 Floors Above the Apocalypse
Chapter 339

Brandon had his mind set on a plan of action. "This volcanic ash has been lingering forever. Once it starts raining, we could be in for acid rain, and who knows how long it'll last. If it's potent enough, it could eat right through our roofs. Anyone who can get their hands on

glass should do it. If you can't, start digging a basement as a backup plan."

The villas were double-storied. As long as they weren't doused in sulfuric acid, they could withstand even a year or more of this, especially with a basement.

Sure, the homeowners might seem lackadaisical, but when push came to shove, no one really wanted to kick the bucket. Envy for those fancy glass conservatories wouldn't do any good. Better to dig a basement and play it safe.

With the new folks from Eastwood Eden chipping in, the neighborhood organized another security patrol. The team wasn't as large as during the endless night, with folks taking turns every three days.

The watch points were mainly at the community gate and the occasional patrol around the area.

Nobody knew when the acid rain would hit, so whenever they weren't on watch, they'd be digging basements like mad, piling up the dug-out soil for future planting.

Austin was the only one who could afford to chill. With his glass conservatory and a basement as secure as Fort Knox, he had all the time in the world to pester his neighbor. "Hey Jasper, need help digging that basement?" "We're good, thanks though."

The rooftop conservatories were built like extended awnings, offering solid protection against the corrosive rain as long as no major storms blew in. The walls had been reinforced, so even a bit of erosion wouldn't be a big deal.

Jasper wasn't idle either. Whenever he could, he'd shut the door behind him and get an early night or a late morning, avoiding Cooper and Rosie outside. He'd teach Stella how to fly a plane or handle a yacht. It was all theoretical, of course, but being prepared could save their lives one day.

As Jasper remembered, the smog could last a year, so Stella frequently visited the Institute of Herbal Medicine. The art of herbal medicine was deep and vast, and with such a golden opportunity at hand, she wasn't about to let it slip by.

Disasters were merciless, and the virus had claimed many medics. Talent in that field was dwindling and might vanish altogether one day.

Despite the proximity, traveling through the smog was inconvenient, so Stella decided to bunk at the institute. She'd study intensely for several days, then head back to the villa to absorb and digest the information, and spend time with Jasper, Cooper and Rosie. Now that the Eastwood Eden crowd had moved in, they'd greet Stella whenever they saw her. She'd respond with a polite smile but rarely engaged further. It was better to maintain a lukewarm relationship-too many ties could be problematic.

Since being kidnapped, Bran would still be playful and carefree, but there was a clear sense of maturity compared to the past. He'd sometimes show up with his dog Buddy, looking for a free meal, even hauling over a poker table. "Come on, let's have a game," he'd say with a cigarette dangling from his lips, the epitome of laid-back cool.

He and Austin were two of a kind, both merrily smoking away. The two hit it off in Building 50, sharing tips and experiences despite Bran's lack of management expertise. Gone were the days of flip-flops; Bran now sported spotless leather shoes.

One morning, Stella stared out into the foggy abyss. "Seems the fog is lifting."

Jasper opened the window. "It sure is."

After more than half a year of smog, it was finally thinning, visibility expanding by the day.

Five meters, ten meters, fifteen, fifty... As the fog cleared, the mood lifted, and the survivors seized the opportunity to start planting.

After dinner, Stella took Cooper and Rosie for a walk. Suddenly, a loud crash echoed ahead-sounded like a car.

Could it be Bran?

Whether it was the end of the world or not, gossip was human nature, especially when stomachs were full.

Indeed, it was a car crash. Only instead of Bran, it was Lindsay who was driving. She had run off again, and when Bentley tried to stop her, he was sent flying.

Dead or alive, who knew? But there he lay in a pool of blood.

Lindsay cradled him, wailing, "Doctor, somebody help, please save him!"

Stella was speechless. The crying was so heart-wrenching, who could doubt her love?

Sigh, cherish life, and stay clear of Bentley's girl.

It was a teachable moment for Cooper and Rosie. Stella said, "Remember, if you replace someone you like one day, stick with them if it's right. If not, just part ways. Don't cling to a lost cause at the expense of your own life." Rosie looked puzzled. "Mhm."

Cooper, bewildered, barked softly.

Not wanting to get splattered with blood, Stella steered clear with Cooper and Rosie in tow.

After a few days' rest at the villa, Stella was back at the institute. Dr. Garcia had some free time, so Stella seized the opportunity to visit her mentor with a gift in hand.

Thrilled to replace someone so eager to learn in these dire times, Dr. Garcia took her under his wing, involving her in research projects.

Collin was busy too. The institute had received a donation of glass from the kind folks at Griffith, and he was planning an expansion to build another greenhouse. He didn't say who donated it, but Stella could guess-it was the Porras family, bartering glass for medicine through their connections.

Collin had considered building the greenhouse at Griffith, but then thought better of it. Even though it wasn't far away, what if the acid rain had indeed fallen as predicted by the authorities?

Stella helped with the construction, and after ten days, they were ready to transplant new herbs.

After being away for so long, Jasper came to visit with Cooper and Rosie. Cooper, being too conspicuous, didn't linger at the institute and left after one night. Jasper said little, but Cooper's eyes were full of reluctant longing.

With so much to learn, Stella had less time for family. She crouched down to pet Cooper. "Stay good at home, and once I'm done, I'll come back to keep you company."

The research institute not only had to cultivate medicinal herbs but also had to take on the responsibility of providing medical services by conducting consultations.

Without a hospital, people would still fall ill. With few doctors to go around, they were stretched thin. One day Stella was out with Collin, the next with Dr. Garcia tackling complex cases. She barely had time for herself, let alone to visit home. She was like a sponge, soaking up everything she could.

In the blink of an eye, another two months passed.

The military delivered some supplies, including clothing resistant to acid and alkali corrosion. There were only 20 sets in total, not enough for everyone to have one. It was understandable, considering the sheer number of groups that needed them.

Stella ran her fingers over the fabric of the protective suit, surprised at its thinness. It felt almost like a raincoat and she wondered what sort of newfangled material it was made from.

She picked up the instruction manual. It didn't specify the material, but it did include directions for putting it on and emphasized safety precautions-notably that it wasn't advisable to wear the suit for more than 20 hours in an environment with a pH level of zero. The technology behind making these suits wasn't complicated, suggesting that it must be material shortages that were the bottleneck.

The butterfly effect was in full swing; nobody could predict when the acid rain would hit.

Stella turned to Collin, her expression serious. "Dr. Collin, if the government's handing out these suits, acid rain's a certainty. We don't know when it'll hit, but we've gotta be extra careful whenever we step outside."