Upgraded Space Thrive in Apocalypse Reborn (caroline) novel Chapter 96

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**Doomsday Rebirth 96**

**Chapter 96: Richard Grant**

In a world where despair loomed large, a certain discontent simmered among the residents. Some individuals were far from satisfied with the meager supplies the government had reluctantly dropped.

A spirited group of young adults from the upper floors decided it was time to venture out in search of much-needed provisions. They were determined to hunt for supplies that could sustain them through the bleak days ahead.

Among them were Jonathan and Reese, two friends who had formed a bond in the chaos. Leading the pack was John, the same fellow who had previously pleaded for a chance to meet Reese after stumbling upon her photo in the Community Chat.

John resided directly above Jonathan and Reese, and lately, he and Reese had been slipping away together more often than not. Each time he appeared, he came bearing gifts—food and drinks that seemed to rejuvenate her, making her appear less worn down compared to Jonathan, who bore the marks of fatigue.

Though John might have seemed simple-minded on the surface, there was an unsettling side to him that Jonathan couldn’t quite shake off. He had undoubtedly received some favors from Reese, a thought that gnawed at Jonathan’s insides, though he remained blissfully unaware of the details.

So, when Reese approached him with a bright smile, suggesting that John wanted to search for supplies and asking if he would join them, Jonathan felt a flicker of gratitude.

“Sure, I’ll come along,” he said, trying to mask the unease that had begun to creep into his heart. John appeared capable—fit, athletic, and someone who could hold his own in a confrontation. The prospect of being in his company felt like a shield against the dangers that lurked outside.

However, John shifted awkwardly, glancing between them before speaking up. “Uh, do you guys have something like a washbasin at home? I only have a big tub that can fit just me and Reese.”

Jonathan’s heart sank at the implication. The thought of Reese being confined in a tub with John sent waves of jealousy crashing over him. How could she possibly go off with someone else like that?

But there was Reese, looking at him with those sweet, reassuring eyes, as if she could read his troubled thoughts. “John thinks I’m small,” she explained with a light laugh, “so he suggested I should sit with him. Don’t overthink it. We don’t have anything sturdy anyway. Maybe you should skip this trip?”

Jonathan felt the weight of her words, but he was not about to let his insecurities keep him behind. He had already been feeling beaten down by the circumstances of their lives, and the last thing he wanted was to remain a bystander while they went off on an adventure.

Summoning every ounce of courage he could muster, he forced himself to act brave. With a grunt of determination, he pried the neighbor’s door off its hinges, the sound echoing in the tense atmosphere. “I’ll use this. I’m coming with you!” he declared, but the laughter that erupted around him was immediate and cutting.

Jonathan felt weak and clumsy as he stepped out, losing his balance and tumbling straight into the water below, his face paling with humiliation. Clenching his fists in frustration, he had never felt so belittled in his life.