When the World Ends, She Begins novel Chapter 7

That was a Knight XV.

It was a fully armored beast worth 16 million. Jet black and built like a fortress—armored body, bulletproof glass, even bulletproof tires.

It could withstand a 33-pound TNT blast—a bona fide doomsday vehicle.

Natalie couldn't help turning her head as the dream ride roared past.

God, she wanted it.

They said there were only two of those in the entire country. Back in the villa district, she'd seen Bentleys, Rolls-Royces, all kinds of luxury sports cars—but how had she never noticed someone owned such a monstrous beauty?

Lost in thought, she'd already arrived at her destination.

Talia had informed security ahead of time, so Natalie passed through without issue and entered the Carter residence.

It was just as extravagant as the mansion she used to live in.

Talia sat on a plush velvet sofa and handed her a triangular bayonet she had prepared earlier.

Natalie took it with both hands and thanked her politely.

Talia studied the girl before her—so composed and well-mannered despite everything she'd been through. Something about her sparked a flicker of sympathy.

She was clearly struggling, yet she still carried herself with dignity and grace.

Then, Talia reached for a delicate jewelry box.

"This emerald pendant was a gift from your mother. I heard you didn't take much when you left. I'm returning it to you—as something to remember her by."

Natalie froze. "If my mom gave it to you, I can't—"

"I said, take it." Talia cut her off and shoved the box into her hands. Then, without another word or glance, she turned and walked upstairs.

"Carol, see the guest out."

The housekeeper immediately stepped forward and gestured politely toward the door.

Natalie looked thoughtfully at Talia's back, then left the house with the pendant and the bayonet.

She remembered meeting Talia in her past life, too, when she came looking for her father. Back then, Talia had stood by and coldly watched her get thrown out. But this time, she'd been strangely kind.

People were complicated.

When life was good, kindness came easily. But in the resource-scarce apocalypse, it was every man for himself.

...

Back in Northlorn, Natalie found a well-reviewed fondue place.

Rainy days and fondue were the perfect match.

As she dipped lamb slices into the bubbling broth, she checked off items from her prep list. Everything was done—except one last category, mental food.

So right after dinner, she headed to the electronics district.

Just like she'd planned yesterday, she bought more tablets, phones, memory cards, hard drives, headphones ...

Once home, she'd continue downloading the rest of the files and movies she hadn't finished yesterday.

After packing all the gear into her storage space, Natalie hesitated ... then stepped into a pet store.

...

Last time around, her "companions" were Braxton and Tiffany.

She'd learned her lesson. People couldn't be trusted. Dogs, on the other hand, were loyal to the end.

She had more than enough supplies, so she was getting a pup. A little survivor to stick by her side in the dark days to come.

The second she stepped through the door, a swarm of excited pups rushed up to her, barking and tail-wagging like crazy.

Natalie frowned. That much noise? It was way too risky. If someone heard them after the fall, they'd be hunted for meat in no time.

Then, a small puff of creamy white fur caught her eye.

While the other dogs barked and bounced, this one was just chilling on a mat in the back, head buried lazily under its front paws.

She walked over and picked it up.

Uh ... it looked like a pig.

No, really—like a tiny, round pig.

As if reading her mind, the dog snorted in protest.

Natalie turned to the store clerk. "This one doesn't bark?"

The clerk chuckled. "She's a Frenchie. Rarely makes a sound. Half a year old, bit of a lazybones."

Lazy was perfect. She couldn't exactly go out walking dogs in the apocalypse. As long as the little one could run around the house, she was good.

This is the one.

Natalie let out a long breath. This time around, I actually used the money before it turned to ash.

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