18 Floors Above the Apocalypse

Chapter 236

In this day and age, there was a lot of deception around, but it was also hard to rest easy without seeking medical help.

Stella carefully examined Katie, finding ongoing coughing due to lung infection and some residual effects of a concussion. Other than that, there were no major issues.

Despite the prognosis, Katie’s mood remained grim, feeling as if the Grim Reaper was drawing near.

The lung infection wasn't a trivial matter. With Katie's weakened immune system, a prolonged illness could easily lead to pneumonia.

"Katie, your health isn't that bad. Some cough medicine will do, and you'll recover from the concussion given some time," Stella reassured her.

Times were tough. The Moore family had managed to stockpile some food over the years, but it was rapidly depleting due to Katie's illness.

Every day she remained ill felt like she was draining her children's resources. Once their reserves ran out, how would Mikey and the others survive?

"Katie, I'm not lying. You truly aren't in a severe condition, but the concussion does need a long recovery period." Stella tried to comfort her, "A positive attitude is the best medicine. You'll get better."

While she was there, Stella offered to help with some acupuncture.

At the same time, Stella called Amber over and taught her how to massage certain pressure points, "These points can help alleviate headaches and dizziness. Try pressing them when you have some free time. It will help with the recovery."

Surprisingly, after the acupuncture and massage, Katie felt significantly better.

Knowing the Moore family was living hand-to-mouth, Stella didn't prescribe any medications, "You can make a tea with loquat leaves, which is helpful for the cough."

Stella looked around the tent, "Katie, all four of you are squeezing into this one tent?"

"Hardly," Katie sighed, "After the research buildings collapsed, the remaining people all squeeze into one office. Mikey and his father still have their own workstations. At night, Amber sleeps at the workspace, while the father and son come back to stay with me."

It was she who was slowing down the kids.

The harsh environment wasn't conducive to recovery, Stella suggested, "How about I help you find a house?"

Katie shook her head, "There are no houses left. This neighborhood has been scoured clean. If we move too far away, it wouldn't be safe for the father and son to commute to work. Although the conditions here aren't great, at least there are security personnel around. It's not too dangerous."

Living here meant they could see each other every day. If they were too far apart, and she passed away suddenly, she wouldn't have her children and grandchildren by her side.

The meaning of life was different for everyone. Stella didn't push it and left after a while.

Amber insisted on offering something before she left, "We've made some baked sweet potato and potato chips, why don't you have some before you leave?"

"No, thank you. We've got some errands to run."

After saying goodbye, Stella rode off on her scooter.

Amber brought in the cooked medicine, "Should we drink this?"

"Of course, you've already paid for it."

Well, Katie’s family were not savvy. How would they survive without her?

Amber brought the medicine in and sat down next to her mother-in-law, but she was obstructed by the blanket and almost spilled the medicine.

Katie tried to sit up, "What's wrong?"

Amber lifted the thin blanket to reveal a bottle of cough syrup, a box of antibiotics, and two pieces of ginseng.

Katie reacted quickly, "Stella has done more than enough for us. These items are too valuable, we can't accept them. You need to hide these and chase after her."

But Amber remained seated, "Mom, you're sick. You need these medicines." Property belongs to Nôvel(D)r/ama.Org.

"We don't owe her anything, and we can't afford to repay her."

"Since Stella gave them to us, she must not need them. But for you, they could be life-saving." Amber was adamant, "We will remember her kindness. We will repay her when we have the chance."

Worried that her mother-in-law might get upset, she added, "We still have a jar of pickled fish at home. How about we give it to her?"

Who didn't want to live? Especially Katie, who was worried about her family. She sighed deeply, "Alright, find something to cover the jar well. Don't let others find out."

Amber wrapped the jar in an old cloth, put it in her backpack, and hurriedly chased after Stella.

But Stella was long gone.

…

Upon understanding the point system, Mark's heart sank.

On their way back, the two discussed the situation. Due to the early earthquake warning, the majority of survivors had lived. This was great news, but with limited resources, it meant that the living conditions would become more severe.

Christian was anxious, "Mark, Eastwood Eden risked their own safety to offer three houses for refugee shelter, and only got 5000 points. The last time they were awarded 2000 points for the early earthquake warning, and 3000 points for organizing the earthquake rescue team. All these barely cover the cost of two houses. We have over 100 people in our community. What are we going to do?"

With no outsiders around, Christian got straight to the point, "Mark, are you moving?"

"I plan to, what about you?"

"We must move." Even if not for himself, he had to consider his son.

The members of Eastwood Eden had skills, but in this post-apocalyptic world, they were just ordinary people. It was unrealistic to expect each household to buy a house, but pooling resources might offer a glimmer of hope.

Christian was surprised, "Pooling resources?"

This was a good idea. If each household could save 2500 points and contribute 250 pounds of food, they might have a chance at getting a house.

"Mark, we know each other well. We can pool resources."

Time was of the essence. Upon returning to the community, they immediately called a meeting to discuss the situation.

Mark tried to find Jasper with his walkie-talkie, but there was no response. He must've gone out.

Only Jasper and Stella were not there. Christian was indecisive, "Should we wait for them to come back?"

Mark wanted to wait too, but he knew well that the two were capable and had resources. Even two- bedroom houses would feel cramped for them, let alone shared housing.

Time was points, and some quick responders had already started scavenging, looking for stainless steel doors, door frames, and rebar from the rubble.

The two were elusive, and what if they only returned after several days?

"Let's not wait. We’ll have a meeting and seek the opinions of the community members first. I'll talk to them later."

Thus, representatives from each household gathered at the sales office.

"What? Are they crazy? They want 5000 points and 500 pounds of food for a house? And it doesn't even have a living room or a bathroom?"

"Pooling resources? How is that possible? We're already cramped in our own homes, and we can't even stretch our legs in one room."

"500 pounds of food? Does that mean 1000 pounds of sweet potatoes and potatoes?"

Upon hearing the news, everyone immediately expressed their dissatisfaction.

Mark remained silent, allowing them to vent their pent-up emotions.