Surviving the Apocalypse with my Multiplier System novel Chapter 75

She was happy to find a large variety of items inside. She went through Reginald’s duffel bag first, admiring the warm clothes one by one.

"Oh, I also picked out this sweater because I thought it would complement your eyes," he explained. They went through each clothing item together, with Reginald explaining his reason for every article of clothing he had picked out for her.

"Ah, darling, you’re so sweet. You know me so well," she complimented him back. Ella looked over and could practically see the hearts in the air surrounding them.

She was too exhausted to care about their over-the-top display of affection, so she just laid on her bed quietly to recover from her exhaustion.

Ella’s mother continued to sort through the items, pulling out the food and water from the bags. "Wow, you guys got so many good things! This bag of rice alone will make for a number of good meals!" she said cheerfully.

Overall, with all the new items, they easily doubled their existing food supply. The clothing was also a nice extra for the coming colder months.

"Honey, what are we going to do about the winter months? I’m afraid we won’t survive if we continue living here in this cold basement," she said worriedly.

Reginald frowned. "You’re right. We’ll have to find someplace new to live through the winter months. I’m surprised the government hasn’t opened up a shelter or a base yet."

"Maybe they have, and we just don’t know about it yet," Ella said, sitting up and replying to her father.

He sat still, mulling over Ella’s words. He felt that she could be correct. With most of the power out, it would be difficult to spread the word. Living in the basement wasn’t a long-term solution, and he felt it was worth going out to see if there was indeed such a place.

"You could be right. I think it’s worth looking into. We don’t have that much time before the colder weather sets in. It would be nice to move somewhere more comfortable," he said.

With this new idea, he began making plans for relocation.

-----

At the broken post office building...

Rayne continued to cry in Julian’s arms until she let out all of her overwhelming emotions. She slowly pulled away, wiping her red, swollen eyes.

"I’m sorry, I don’t know what came over me," she said quietly, looking at the wetness on his chest from her tears.

Julian looked her in the eyes and flashed a reassuring smile. "Rayne, you don’t need to apologize. It’s important to let your emotions out; it’s a normal thing."

She nodded, wiping her eyes some more.

"So how are you? I did my best to bandage your back. Do you need painkillers?" she asked with concern.

"Thank you for your care. I can handle this kind of pain, so no worries," he replied as he reached out and gently wiped a tear off her cheek.

Rayne blushed at his gesture. She could feel her face heating up.

Julian watched her turn away to hide her flushed cheeks and smiled. He felt that Rayne had gotten more and more beautiful with each passing day.

The two of them sat in silence for a few minutes until Julian finally broke the silence. "Rayne, I hope I’m not overstepping, but I am curious about this mattress and blanket..."