The Apocalypse Survival Manual (Three Days Before Doomsday, I Stockpiled Billions) novel Chapter 829

Chapter 829

Nobody could prepare for every disaster. No matter how carefully people planned, nature could undo it all in

an instant.

“Nicole, if you ever lose any of us, promise me you’ll keep going,” Zeph said. “Don’t blame yourself for things you couldn’t prevent. You’ve already done more than anyone could ask. Every extra day we have together is a gift.”

Nicole clung to him, tears sliding silently down her cheeks.

Zeph bowed his head and gently wiped them away. “What happened to the Nicole who wasn’t scared of anything?”

“She’s scared now.”

He kissed her forehead. “That’s okay. I’m here. We’re all still here.”

Zeph stayed with Poppy through the night so Nicole could rest. He was still awake when she came to relieve

him at dawn.

“Go get some sleep,” she told him.

Poppy’s fever kept coming back, and her voice was hoarse.

Nicole gave her antiviral medication and herbal remedies, hoping they would help her recover. She also administered several bags of IV fluids.

After half a bowl of chicken soup, Poppy seemed a little more alert. She turned to Nicole and tried to smile, though it came out strained.

“Nicole, I had a dream last night.”

“What about?”

“You were pregnant. You and Zeph had a little boy.”

“A boy? Wouldn’t you like a niece?”

“I would.” Poppy took her hand. “You had twins. There was a little girl, too. She called me Aunt Poppy.

Nicole laughed. “You’re awfully young to be looking forward to being an aunt.”

“But I really want to be one. I have for ages.” Poppy’s expression turned wistful. “You and Zeph raised me. I wanna help take care of your kids someday.”

“Alright. You get better, and Zeph and I will give you a niece or nephew to spoil.”

Poppy tucked a hand beneath her head and smiled. “Really?”

“Why would I lie to you?” Nicole kept her voice encouraging. “Your body’s working hard to fight this off. We just need to help it along. Hang in there, sweetheart. You can get through this.”

Poppy nodded firmly. “I can.”

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Chapter Sag

+15 Bonus

But she still felt miserable. She vomited several more times and even suffered a seizure. Her condition continued to fluctuate. At times, she slept for eight hours without waking.

During one bout of labored breathing, Poppy gripped Nicole’s hand.

“If I die, will you take care of Zeph? Promise you won’t leave him?”

“Don’t say that. You’re not gonna die.” Nicole wiped the sweat from her face. “We’ll get you through this.”

But Poppy wouldn’t let it go. “Will you take care of him?”

She was far too young to carry that kind of worry.

If they lost Poppy, Zeph might never blame Nicole. They might even find a way to stay together, but the loss would remain between them. Neither could pretend it never happened.

They could leave it unspoken, but that wouldn’t make it hurt any less. Nothing could erase it.

Poppy seemed to understand that, too. It explained why the promise mattered so much to her.

Nicole’s eyes stung. “I will.”

Poppy noticed and tried to reassure her. “Nicole, I don’t regret it.”