The Apocalypse Survival Manual (Three Days Before Doomsday, I Stockpiled Billions) novel Chapter 23

Chapter 23

Zeph might not know how to take care of a kid, but his stockpile was no joke.

He went into another room and came back carrying two large bags of herbal medicine, all vacuum sealed and moisture-proof.

Nicole picked out more than a dozen varieties, mostly for circulation and bruising. “Put these in a glass jar. Add about a quart of vodka and seal it up. Let it sit for two weeks, and it’s ready.”

She spotted some devilroot and set it aside.

“This can be soaked, too. When it gets cold, a small sip will warm you up and help with energy and blood flow. Kids shouldn’t drink it.”

Rock sugar soaked in vodka worked great, too. It cooled inflammation and helped with circulation.

She stopped herself. If she taught too much, it might put her in danger.

Poppy fell asleep quickly after taking the medicine, though she kept murmuring in her sleep. A sick child always looked pitiful. Tears clung to her lashes as her pale lips moved faintly.

“Mom… I want Mom… Dad…”

Zeph sat by the bed, gently wiping her tears, his voice low and guilty. “Don’t be scared, Poppy. I’m here.”

He clearly cared about her. His methods were just wrong.

As Nicole reached the door, Zeph stopped her and handed her a pack of pasta. “Thank you for helping Poppy.”

Before the disaster, pasta cost almost nothing. Now, they meant a few more days of living.

Nicole didn’t refuse. She took them calmly.

Back home, she pulled out a glass jar and started soaking rock sugar in vodka. “Always teaching others and forgetting myself.”

During the deep freeze, sipping a cup by a fire would feel incredible.

She also took out a few pounds of grapes, washed them, and set them on the storage space balcony to dry. Perfect for making fruit wine later.

When she stepped back out, she could tell the storm had changed again.

She wasn’t the only one who noticed. People were shouting from their windows, cheering.

They couldn’t hold back their excitement. It felt like the disaster was finally ending.

In a good mood, Nicole took out a serving of baked fish and paired it with some pasta.

She didn’t throw away the plastic container afterward. Even though she had plenty in storage, these were non- renewable resources now. She could wash and reuse them.

Nicole fell asleep after lunch and was woken by the roar of engines. There were assault boats and firefighters in bright orange life jackets.

The typhoon hadn’t ended, but its strength had dropped fast. As long as they avoided the worst waves, they could

move.

1/2

Chapter 23

+15 Bonus

They had been cut off from the world for 18 days. Just as people were running out of food, hope finally arrived. The moment people saw the boats, many collapsed and cried.

“Rescue is here! The government didn’t abandon us…!”

They cried and laughed at the same time, overwhelmed, wiping their faces again and again. There were only three boats, but to them, they were the only lifeline.

A loudspeaker crackled on.

Firefighters called out calmly, “Please don’t panic. We won’t abandon anyone who needs help. We’ll evacuate building by building. Pack only essentials. Elderly and children first.”

This evacuation was meant for residents on flooded lower floors. Still, crowds surged downstairs, surrounding the firefighters.

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