18 Floors Above the Apocalypse novel Chapter 340

Collin agreed and swiftly disseminated the directive. Starting tomorrow, anyone on a house call had to carry protective gear at all times. Supplies were limited; those entrusted with the gear had to guard it closely, wary of misplacement.

After spinning like a top for half a month, Dr. Garcia's research project was on pause, and Stella joined Collin for their clinic day at Swan Hill Square.

Unsure when the acid rain might hit, Stella wasn’t taking any chances. She requested leave from Collin, mentioning family matters, and planned to take a few months off after completing the medical consultation.

She wasn’t officially on the research institute’s payroll; her perseverance in her studies was commendable enough. Collin readily agreed, “Just don’t forget what you’ve learned. If there’s anything you don’t understand, you can always come back for clarification.”

The weather was stifling as the team set out early for Swan Hill Square.

The public announcement system crackled to life, cautioning that due to the airflow, the next few months might see rainfall. With the air quality compromised by volcanic ash, there was a high likelihood of acid rain. Citizens were advised to stay indoors unless necessary, and if they must go out, to carry protective gear and avoid lingering outside too long.

The message was broadcast morning, noon, and night, a constant reminder to the townspeople.

Stella and Collin braved the sweltering heat, setting up a stall on the ground floor of the square. With the clinic only visiting once a month, there was a good turnout of patients.

The research institute wasn't a charity; consultations came at a price—two ounces of food per patient, with additional charges for acupuncture and massage. Treatment was free for the elderly over sixty and children under five.

If the institute had the appropriate medicine, the doctors prescribed it, sending patients to collect it themselves. With medicine in short supply, doctors refrained from prescribing unless absolutely necessary.

The weather was as stifling as a furnace, and the patients kept coming, suffering from heatstroke, vitamin deficiencies, lack of essential nutrients, and various mineral deficiencies. Natural disasters continued to ravage humanity, causing a plethora of health disorders.

Sweating profusely, Stella longed for the cool embrace of an air-conditioned Arcadia or a slice of ice-cold watermelon. In reality, she was too busy to even take a breather, sneaking sips of ice water from her thermos to quench her thirst.

Just as they caught a break, another patient approached, “Doctor, could you take a look at my child?”

The voice sounded familiar. Stella looked up to see Amber holding a child. The child, just over a year old, was likely the one Molly had given her life for.

“Stella?” Amber was surprised to see her at Swan Hill.

Having not seen her for almost two years, Amber had aged significantly. She not only appeared worn out but had also developed some gray hair.

Stella nodded, “Is the child sick?”

Amber was frantic, “He has no appetite and his stomach is terribly bloated, even though he's hardly eaten anything.”

Adults could endure hardship, but children were especially vulnerable. With no doctors available in Griffith, Amber had rushed to Swan Hill. She hoped nothing was amiss—this child was Molly's legacy.

“Don't worry; let me have a look.”

Stella took the child into her arms. His gaze was timid and fearful, his body squirming slightly, “Grandma.”

It seemed his intelligence was unaffected, a small mercy amidst the chaos.

“There, there, little guy,” Amber soothed, “This lady's a good person; she saved you once. Be a good boy and call her 'auntie.'”

The child, uncertain, clung to his grandmother's sleeve, peering at Stella with big, dark eyes.

Obediently, he whispered, “Auntie.”

Stella smiled and fished a piece of candy from her pocket.

The child had never seen candy before. He looked to his grandmother for approval before accepting the treat.