18 Floors Above the Apocalypse novel Chapter 72

Lukas, with his eavesdropping tendencies, commented, “Sounds like they're breaking down doors. Seems like there's quite a crowd.”

Stella's expression was stern. “The cold snap hit hard the night before last. I reckon a lot of folks didn't make it. They're probably breaking into the homes of the deceased.”

“That… that's pretty ruthless.”

Stella shrugged. “Can't help it. The dead must make way for the living.” If her guess was right, it was Drew, checking on survivors, and then organizing manpower to scavenge what they could from the homes of the deceased.

Lukas said in disbelief, “We've had floods for months, and not a grain of rice is left in anyone's pantry. Some folks have even boiled unimaginable things for food. All burnable furniture has been chopped up for heat. What do they hope to find by breaking down doors?”

“There's always something to salvage.”

Despite their discomfort, no one had words of criticism. They'd been lucky to have found supplies, but if they were in the same situation, they might’ve also resorted to looting the homes of the dead. As Stella said, the dead had to make way for the living.

Feeling depressed, they all waved goodbye and headed home to burrow under their blankets.

Venturing outside almost led to frostbite. On returning home, she was tempted to press their hands against the heaters.

Snowy was nursing her kittens, while Smoky was out hunting for food, twirling around Stella incessantly. Both rabbits were in good spirits. Their diet was now supplemented with some grass and feed.

The heavens had shown some mercy. Stella managed to till about 100 square feet of land, dug small holes to plant corn seeds, then covered them up with soil. The mental exertion left her feeling drained, as if her body was hollowed out.

Feeling hungry, she craved a Snickers bar!

Everyone in 1803 was enthusiastic, sweeping the rooftop of snow every day, even remembering to bring down Stella and Jasper's share.

No one spoke of it, but they knew their survival skills weren't as strong as Stella and Jasper's. They contributed more to finding supplies, which meant they had an advantage in distribution. Hence, they did what they could.

Despite Stella’s objections, the tenants of 1803 wouldn't listen.

The idea of taking turns to collect snow from the rooftop was considered, but every time Stella and Jasper opened the door, buckets filled with snow were already placed at the entrance.

Perhaps this made them feel better, and Stella didn't stop them anymore.

Water wasn't scarce in Arcadia. Stella would close the room door and pour the snow into the garden, serving as watering.

Stella was reluctant and feeling guilty for wasting her friends’ efforts, but who would refuse the the clean water in Arcadia?

The temperature dropped daily, sometimes noticeably, other times subtly. It had dipped to -26 degrees without them realizing.

Sounds of banging echoed from below and was continuing for several days before silence returned. Judging from the noise, it seemed like even the 17th floor had been broken into. Presumably, the losses were substantial. After all, this was the south, neither the architectural design of the houses nor the cold-resistant clothing were as sturdy as those in colder regions.

One day, knocking was heard again from downstairs. This time it was Katie. With the harsh weather, it was clear she wasn't here for acupuncture.

Being old acquaintances, Katie didn't beat around the bush. “Stella, there's something we need to discuss with you.”

Noticing her worn-out appearance and worried expression, Stella furrowed her brows. “Go on.”

Katie broke down, clutching her hand. “Stella, you’re a lifesaver.”

If it wasn’t for Stella’s advice to sweat out her fever under a cotton blanket, she would have frozen to death on the night of the sudden temperature drop. Waking up in the cold, she ran to her son and daughter-in-law’s room, quickly bundling her grandson in thick clothes. The timely awakening saved them from a visit from the Grim Reaper.