18 Floors Above the Apocalypse novel Chapter 593

As Stella and Jasper turned around, Rosie had already headed off to work on the farm. Cooper had stepped up as her gallant escort, while Snowflake had trotted off to the military base to find Delta.

Everyone knew which household had the craftiest and most ruthless pets. They strutted around the base without a care in the world. Despite their natural craving for meat, none dared to mess with the head honcho's domain. With their formidable strength, a showdown on a narrow path likely wouldn't end well for any challengers.

The pressing issue was that a critically ill patient hadn't been discharged yet, and the medical supplies were dangerously low. Stella, ever generous, donated her herbal remedies once again. Sure, Bran’s support for her was a bit too obvious, but folks cared more about results than about political games.

After the moth plague, Stella's status had shot up, placing her on a high pedestal in the community’s eyes. Stepping out of the hospital, she was greeted by everyone, whether she knew them or not.

“Stella.”

“Stella.”

“Captain Ginger.”

Just as she entered the hospital, Stella looked up to see Staff Officer Si, Justice, and their two military guards. She caught one of the soldiers casting a lingering glance her way before quickly looking away. She gave him a subtle once-over.

Young, stern, with a posture as straight as a pine tree. He reminded Stella of Jasper in his younger days. Ah, to be young!

Being in Staff Officer Si’s entourage meant he was no stranger to tough situations. His composure and breeding were evident. Could it be... Dylan?

Stella’s mind raced. She soon noticed a resemblance to Austin in the young soldier’s features. This wasn’t just a change; it was a transformation. Dylan was now nearly twenty, in the prime of his youth, tall and sturdy, with sharp, resolute features. Standing around six feet tall, he was certainly a standout in these post-apocalyptic times.

Austin must have put in quite the effort to raise such a fine young man. Their eyes met, but neither spoke.

Justice broke the silence first, “Stella.”

Stella smiled, “Staff Officer Si, Director Jiang, what brings you to the hospital?”

“Just a bit under the weather, picking up some medicine.”

After a few pleasantries and well-wishes, Stella went on to distribute the medicine. Due to the severe shortage of supplies, doctors had stopped prescribing meds for minor conditions, advising patients to rest and rely on their immune systems.

The hospital director personally attended to Stella, eagerly discussing treatment plans for critical patients. After a year of collaboration, he had nothing but respect for her. Not only did she have a supply of medicines, but her medical expertise, which came from a renowned lineage, was exceptional. Her integrity and character were beyond reproach.

He knew that Stella was destined for a future at the hospital. With a preference already in his heart, he welcomed her presence and even looked forward to her joining the team. After all, she had been instrumental during several crises. The director felt this way, and the medical staff saw it clearly too—Stella was the heir apparent to the directorship.

Hence, their interactions were especially harmonious. Stella found Collin at the hospital, teaching a refresher course to the medical staff. This was part of his mission to Griffith.

The Willowbrook authorities had thought Griffith's grassroots beginnings would make for a struggle. Despite the military elite’s hopes for a merger between the two cities, they knew from Daniel’s personal letter that he was unlikely to join them.

Stella chose not to interrupt, simply watching from afar before moving on to her own tasks. But it wasn’t long before Rosie approached her, blushing, “Sister-in-law.”

With a shy expression, she introduced, “This is Dylan, he's with the Willowbrook delegation.”

Dylan followed, his tanned skin making his teeth strikingly white, “Sister-in-law.”

Up close, Stella could see that the young man had developed a masculine aura, no longer the frail boy of the past.

"Dylan," she greeted with a playful smile, teasing as she spoke, "Your dad calls me 'sister-in-law,' and you call me the same. Aren't we muddling up the family tree?"

Dylan replied with ease, "Sister-in-law, I'm about the same age as Rosie, and since you're her sister-in-law, it's only right I follow suit."

Ah, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree; he had a thick skin just like his old man. Meanwhile, Rosie seemed a bit uncomfortable, stealing a glance at him.

Stella didn't want to engage in a battle of wits with the youngster. "How's your dad doing?"

The end times were brutal. The longer you survived, the fewer friends you had left. Dylan gave her a brief rundown of what had happened since they parted ways at the upscale New Haven neighborhood. Austin, with his loyal men and their families in tow, had left Griffith just ahead of the mass evacuation but still ran into a sandstorm and a series of torrential rains on the way.

Scattered, sick, dead. The journey of a few hundred miles was fraught with peril, and several times they nearly lost their lives, arriving in Goldbridge with their numbers greatly diminished. Goldbridge was a base teeming with all sorts of characters. Austin swallowed his pride and his bloodied teeth, starting over from scratch...