Reborn Cave Queen of the End Times novel Chapter 22

Someone chimed in, “Yeah, yeah, things really have been a little chaotic lately. I even heard there were people carjacking others in broad daylight. We definitely need to be careful.”

Others disagreed. “It’s people like you making a big deal out of nothing that have made relationships between men and women so tense. You make it sound like we’re all criminals.”

Autumn didn’t care. She casually flipped her phone facedown onto the table.

Not far away, the aroma of the ham hock David had been simmering drifted over, making it impossible not to salivate.

Why think so much?

Time to eat!

Over the next two days, the temperature kept climbing higher and higher.

By noon, it had reached 158°F.

A notification came through from the National Weather Service: “Recent temperatures have risen sharply. Residents are advised to protect themselves from the sun, drink plenty of water, get adequate rest, and avoid traveling during daytime hours whenever possible. Nighttime travel is recommended.”

At that point, the authorities still hadn’t realized how serious the situation was. They thought it was just a temporary weather anomaly.

But from the steadily rising numbers on the thermometer, Autumn had already determined when she would go out next.

“Autumn, come help me and pass me the wrench,” David called from a distance.

“Coming.” Autumn grabbed the wrench, climbed up the scaffolding, and handed it to David. “These solar panels should be enough. We don’t need to add any more.”

“We’d better store up more electricity.” David’s hair was soaked with sweat, and he could barely keep his eyes open. “Didn’t you say the heat wave would be followed by heavy rain? We won’t be able to generate solar power when it’s raining, so we should save up for then. We don’t have many batteries, so we need to use them carefully.”

Autumn immediately laughed. “Don’t worry. We can get as many batteries as we want. There’ll be plenty. Besides, don’t we still have the gasoline generator and the diesel generator?”

“Those supplies get used up once they’re gone, so it’s better to be careful. Didn’t you say the apocalypse would last at least 15 years? You don’t go broke from eating and drinking. You go broke from failing to plan.” David tightened the last bolt with all his strength. He was so exhausted he could barely speak, and he looked like he’d just been pulled out of a swimming pool.

As soon as David climbed down, Autumn quickly handed him a glass of iced lemonade.

David drained it in one gulp and gave Autumn a thumbs-up. “Your lemonade is still the best. I’ve had plenty of lemonade, but nobody makes it as well as you do.”

Autumn smiled. “Then I’ll make lemonade for you for the rest of your life!”

“Sounds great to me!” The two of them chatted and laughed as they headed outside.

David was 14 years older than Autumn and was 36 this year.

He wasn’t the especially handsome type, but he had style. He had that mature, rugged charm that many people found attractive.

Ever since he had taken Autumn in five years ago, he had treated her like his own daughter.

Now, even more so.

As they reached the entrance, they saw James waiting outside the cave.

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