18 Floors Above the Apocalypse novel Chapter 297

Watching Tracy repeatedly disrespect the old man, Bran had had enough. In a sarcastic tone, he said, "It's the 21st century, for Pete's sake. Women and men are supposed to be equal. A woman can hold her own just as well."

The words stung. But in this post-apocalyptic world where everyone was just trying to keep their own houses in order, who had the energy to help others?

Tracy was a tear-streaked mess, but there were no knights in shining armor in sight. Everyone was too busy worrying about their own survival.

The majority ruled, and it seemed the majority of the homeowners had no objections.

There were 44 households in the neighborhood, which meant 44 people could be drafted for patrol duties. Split into two shifts, each group would have 22 people, ensuring round-the-clock security. Porch lights were lit across the neighborhood.

Cleaning up the corpses littering their yards was a grim task. The bodies would be piled up and set ablaze with gasoline. The well-off homeowners who had never done a day's manual labor in their lives were left with no choice but to roll up their sleeves and pitch in.

Though some grumbled, no one dared voice their complaints. The Porras family held the most sway in the neighborhood, and their cooperation was crucial for everyone's safety.

The sight of the blood and gore was enough to make the bravest among them vomit.

Jasper and Stella didn't balk at the task. Their duties were heavy, especially since their area had seen the most casualties.

Back home, they donned protective gear and got to work. They didn't shirk their duties, pulling and dragging the bodies.

Austin from Building 49 also joined in the cleanup effort, as his house had been affected too.

Dylan was scared but when he saw Rosie pitched in, he mustered his courage and joined them saying, "Dad, I want to help too."

Dylan was nearly 11 years old. It was time for him to toughen up. "Okay, just be careful," Austin said.

The number of dead was too many. The bodies were burned on the spot. After burning for several hours, nothing but ashes remained. The ashes were buried in a pit. Hopefully, the dead would be reborn in a world free of apocalypse.

With Austin being the only adult in Building 49, he had to join the patrols, leaving people living in Building 50 in charge of taking care of Dylan.

In such dire times, Stella didn't refuse. To keep Dylan company, she even Cooper stay with him on the ground floor.

If it hadn't been for patrolling, they wouldn't have known that Austin was also equipped with gear—bulletproof vests, helmets, pistols, stun batons—even the leather shoes had highly lethal pointed tips.

Stella could hardly contain her laughter. "Stay safe," she said.

With Jasper on patrol duty, the whole family decided to adjust their routines to match his.

Stella spent her time reading and working out, while Rosie taught Dylan how to box. Cooper, on the other hand, slipped away to accompany Jasper.

As Cooper appeared majestically imposing, the Mastiff Buddy also came out to join in the excitement. But Bentley intervened. Now only two dogs in the neighborhood could play a role. Buddy had been assigned to another shift for patrolling.

Bran was a little disappointed. He was hoping to see Stella.

Bentley adjusted his gold-rimmed glasses. "Still denying that you have a thing for her?"

Bran teased him back, "Don't you miss Linsay?"

Bentley's sadness was palpable. "I live to find her," he said.