The Apocalypse Survival Manual (Three Days Before Doomsday, I Stockpiled Billions) novel Chapter 832

Chapter 832

Before Nicole, Zeph knew little about periods. Nine years together changed that.

Nicole nodded. “Yes. Poppy’s growing up.”

Zeph fell quiet. He was happy for Poppy, but the realization came with an unexpected pang.

“What’s wrong?” Nicole brushed his chin. “Aren’t you glad she’s growing up?”

“Of course. I just don’t know where the time went.”

She smiled. “You sound like a dad who just realized his little girl will leave home someday.”

Zeph opened his mouth, hesitated, then admitted, “That’s about right. I guess that makes you her mom.”

Still, seeing Poppy grow up was something to celebrate. Their parents would have been happy to see her

now, too.

Raising a child through years of disasters was no small achievement. Poppy was turning into a wonderful young woman, and Nicole deserved much of the credit.

He pulled her close and kissed her. “Thank you. For everything you’ve done for us.”

Nicole smiled against his mouth. “How are you planning to thank me?”

He kissed her again, more deeply. “I could give you my life.”

She laughed. “What am I supposed to do with that?”

Zeph pretended to consider the problem, then leaned down to whisper in her ear. “I can think of a few other things to offer.”

She nudged him with her foot. “Behave.”

Nicole picked up the pads and headed for Poppy’s room. At the door, she paused and gave him a pointed

look.

“Well? Go take a shower. And be thorough.”

They spent another five days aboard the submarine. By then, Poppy’s period was over.

After all its rubbing against the hull, Blue finally scraped off most of its barnacles. They hadn’t seen it for two or three days,

Without Blue’s visits, the quiet began to wear on them.

Watching sea creatures through the window no longer helped pass the time. Even the delicate jellyfish and bizarre fish barely earned a glance.

Meals passed in silence, broken only by the scrape of utensils, chewing, and an occasional sigh. Even Cola’s snoring, once comforting, began to get on their nerves.

Nicole recognized what was happening. Too much time confined underwater was putting them all on edge.

Between the dim light, cramped quarters, and strange creatures beyond the windows, it was no wonder

1/3

Chopoc

+15 Bonus

they felt trapped.

They surfaced for a break Sunshine, open sky, and a little music gradually eased the tension.

Before long, they could enjoy each other’s company again.

Nicole and Poppy sat on the hull, chatting and snacking. Zeph and Cola showed no interest in joining them and took turns watching the water.

When Nicole finished her snack, she noticed Zeph still looked troubled. “What’s wrong?”

His gaze stayed on the ocean. “I feel like something’s watching us.”

Nicole took that seriously.

Zeph was a special forces veteran with two lifetimes of experience. His instincts deserved more than a quick dismissal.

She picked up the binoculars and scanned the horizon twice. Nothing caught her eye.

“Someone with better equipment could see us before we saw them,” Zeph said.