18 Floors Above the Apocalypse novel Chapter 312

Lukas approached Stella with a proposal, "Hey Stella, our place is like Grand Central Station—everyone's always around, and we've got no room to store supplies. Can we stash our stuff at your place until we find a spot?"

Stella was cool with it. "Sure thing, I've got some connections here. If you guys are craving a steak or something, just let me know in advance, and I’ll see if I can trade for it."

The gang was thrilled, feeling a fresh wave of hope wash over their tough lives.

After they had eaten their fill, Cody got down to business. "Stella, we're thinking of quitting the neighborhood watch." Now that they weren't scraping by, putting life and limb on the line didn’t seem worth it.

Stella was genuinely happy for them. "That's great news. These dark times are way too risky. Once we weather this storm, you can always look for work again."

Once the meal was over and they had played a few rounds of cards with Cooper, it was time to say goodbye.

Stella handed over some lentils and chickpeas for them to take home—sprouting them for a change of pace from the constant diet of cornmeal porridge.

As they were leaving, she fished out a set of keys from her pocket. "The house is pretty secure, and I reckon it'll stay quiet for a while. My other place is just sitting empty, so feel free to crash there until we need to figure something else out."

With their performance today, she knew that if the day ever came when the neighborhood fell, she trusted them to do right by her.

But Cody declined, "Thanks, but that's a lot to ask of you. Besides, we're not doing too bad now. We'll find a bigger place when the time comes."

After closing the gate behind them, Stella sat on the couch. Her earlier smiles and warmth were replaced by a touch of uncertainty.

Jasper came over. "What's up?"

After a moment, Stella shared her concerns. "I took the helicopter and fuel for myself. Do you think that's unfair?"

"We were after that stuff from the start. If we split it all now, what happens the next time something like this comes up?" Jasper felt it needed to be said, even if it might upset Stella. "We've all changed, Stella. It's not about being selfish or greedy. It's just that our needs and interests are different now."

Back in the day, on the 18th floor, they were all in it together. But times had changed. Cody and Kitty had their own crew now.

"I believe you still care about Cody and the rest, and they care about you. But the world's changed, and so have our goals."

He didn't fault Cody and the others; life just had different levels now, and stockpiling supplies together like in the old days didn’t fit anymore.

He didn't see Stella as greedy. "If you insist on splitting everything equally, it might make them overlook that even friendship has boundaries. If they get used to it, you might end up like Angela, and they'll become her brother and sister-in-law."

An unequal share would make them reflect on their own needs. Stella probably knew this deep down, which is why she claimed the helicopter and fuel. Jasper's words helped her see things more clearly.

"You've had issues with my decisions for a while, haven't you? Why do you still put up with me?"

"You're my wife. Who else would I put up with?" In a world without marriage certificates, Jasper had long considered Stella his true wife.

"Thanks, Jasper," Stella said, resting her head on his shoulder. "If I ever get out of line, let me know, okay?"

As they shared a moment, Jasper teased, "How are you gonna thank me?"