18 Floors Above the Apocalypse novel 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.