18 Floors Above the Apocalypse novel Chapter 332

Stella barely dodged in time, a spray of crimson narrowly missing her shoes. When she saw what was causing the commotion, she couldn't help but be flabbergasted.

This creature was at it again, making a scene. Last time it was covered in cuts and bruises; this time, it decided to greet her with a mouthful of blood.

Cooper was ready to pounce, his body tensed for an attack, before realizing the commotion was just his own mutt causing trouble. He stepped back with a look of disdain, a low growl rumbling from his throat as he scolded the dog for its shameless behavior. His growl softened into a worried whine, showing his concern despite the scolding.

The two dogs communicated in their own canine way.

Buddy sprawled on the ground, coughing weakly and wagging its tail at Stella, exposing its soft underbelly. In just over a month, the once majestic and imposing beast had become emaciated, hardly drawing breath.

Stella, speechless, sprayed the blood with disinfectant before cleaning the dog thoroughly and dragging it into the backyard.

It had been over a month since she was home. Jasper and Rosie had taken care of the interior, while Stella found some rope to secure Buddy's limbs. He was nearly the size of a grown man, and a single dose seemed about right.

While she was at it, Stella checked on Smoky and Snowy. The haze virus was rampant, and she had feared she'd return to find them gone. To her surprise, they were huddled together, pecking at dry grass.

It seemed the haze virus was less severe on poultry, or Cooper wouldn't have recovered so quickly.

The bunnies didn't even acknowledge Stella’s presence.

Cooper stayed by Buddy's side, worried about getting blood on himself, yet not wanting to stray too far and lose sight of the situation.

Stella didn't bother with Buddy any further and headed upstairs after disinfecting Cooper.

For the past month, except for a short rest while she was sick, she had been working nonstop. Even her iron constitution was wearing thin.

She knew her family was far luckier than the patients in critical condition at the research institute. Mild symptoms were bad enough. Critical ones were unimaginable, and the virus was prone to mutation. There was no room for complacency.

She turned on the air purifier, showered from head to toe with hot water, splashed disinfectant on her laundered clothes.

Everything and everyone needed a thorough cleaning.

She flicked on the lights and laid out a comforting spread of food: chicken soup, braised pork knuckles, and seafood. The three of them, along with Cooper, indulged in the feast. It was the most satisfying meal they had had since the onset of the haze.

After eating their fill, Stella put on protective gear to check on Buddy. The stubborn dog was still breathing. Despite being at death's door, he didn't forget to wag his tail at Stella, his eyes begging for sympathy.

Stella couldn't bear to see him like this and untied the ropes binding his limbs, serving him a bowl of high-calorie dog food.

After eating, Buddy didn't leave. His large yet gaunt frame curled up in a corner of the yard, his watery eyes full of helplessness, pity, vulnerability, and cautious hope for a new owner.

"Bark!"

Cooper lay on the rooftop glass, cheering on his ailing comrade. Buddy looked up, its eyes filled with a pitiful longing as it stared at its leader.

Stella sighed and quietly closed the door.

Back on the second floor, she massaged her forehead and discussed with Jasper, "How should we distribute the medicine we brought back?"

Even after donating all they could anonymously, it wasn't enough. That was just for the southern provinces. The haze virus had swept down from the northern islands, spreading in all directions. Everyone had their selfish moments; otherwise, she wouldn't have taken medicine from Collin. Every second of illness was agony, especially the relentless cough that made life feel worse than death.

She tried to stay optimistic but was acutely aware that the less fortunate wouldn't get the medicine soon. Many wouldn't get it at all.