Se connecterWhen the heatwave apocalypse hits the Earth, the ozone layer has completely dissipated, forcing mankind to move into the underground city. My husband, Rhett Calloway, and I get to stay on Level Two, seeing as we've funded the construction of the underground city. On day in the third year of the heatwave apocalypse, Rhett brings back a sickly young woman from the slums located on Level Three out of the blue. "Nora, the living conditions on Level Three are very difficult. Anna is in poor health. I can't just sit by and watch her suffer." After that, Rhett carries Anna Archer into our home. I keep my gaze lowered as I remind him, "Don't forget that there's a strict population count on Level Two. The available slots in every family are fixed." "I know that. That's why you need to head down to the slums on Level Three to replace Anna for the time being. Once she recovers from her illness, I'll bring you home." The moment I hear Rhett's response, I remain rooted to the spot for a long time. After walking out the front door, I do my best to suppress the quiver in my tone as I call a number that belongs to Level One. "I've already thought it through. I've decided to join the project to end the apocalypse on Level One."
Voir plusElliot kept his eyes on the road but couldn't resist asking, "Didn't you say you weren't going to have dinner with me? What happened to that?"I rested my chin on my hand. "I was using you to make a point. Don't let it go to your head.""It's my honor to be of use to you, Ms. Vale," he said without missing a beat.I tilted my head. "And what about you? I thought I told you to go home. Why were you still waiting?""Trying my luck," he said lightly. "In case you changed your mind about dinner."I smiled a little and left it at that.…A few days later, it snowed over Havenport. The apocalypse had kept the world scorching for years, and this was the first winter anyone had seen in a long time.I bundled up in a coat I hadn't worn in ages and bought a bunch of white roses. I didn't drive. I walked, letting my shoes sink unevenly into the slush with each step.Rounding a corner, I noticed a figure crouched at the side of the road.It was Rhett. For a moment, I almost didn't recogn
Rhett's voice came out as a shout, his eyes red. "I don't accept that. Priority decision rights? That's complete nonsense!"Elliot stifled a yawn and waved a hand at the men beside him. "Get him out of here. Send him back to Level Three.""Yes, sir."Several pairs of hands grabbed Rhett by the arms and legs. He fought like he had nothing left to lose."Nora! Please, don't let them do this. I can't go back down there. That place is barely fit for animals!"I smiled, though there wasn't any warmth in it. "Anna managed three years down there just fine. What's your excuse?"Rhett broke free and threw himself at my feet, grabbing onto me with both hands."Nora, I was wrong. I was manipulated. Anna was a liar, and she deceived me from the start!"I crouched down and patted his cheek. "She deceived you, sure. But you didn't exactly hate it, did you? You loved feeling needed."The last of the color left his face. He kept pleading, grasping at memories, trying to find the one that woul
Elliot Callum was waiting at the entrance to the research institute when I arrived on Level One. He extended his hand."It's been too long, Aldenvale's Rose."I took it and laughed, a little embarrassed. "After all these years, you're still calling me that.""Some things don't change." He smiled. "Aldenvale's Rose never withers."I smiled back, though there was a quiet ache behind it.Back in college, I'd won a campus debate competition that got me voted the thorned rose of Aldenvale University on the school forums. The nickname stuck.Later, someone came along and plucked that rose, trimmed away every thorn, and let the years wear her down to something softer and smaller. Then that same person turned around and chose a fresher flower entirely.Inside the institute, Elliot casually slung an arm around my shoulders and turned to the room."This is my closest friend from Aldenvale and my junior by two years. Nora Vale, PhD in astrophysics, formerly known as Aldenvale's Sky Eye, a
Rhett stared at me, his eyes wide. "Nora, you reported us?"I pushed the hair out of my face and caught my breath. "So what if I did? Can you honestly tell me there's no one here from Level Three?"The Level Two officers didn't take long to verify. They had Anna in handcuffs within minutes.She dropped the act entirely and grabbed Rhett's sleeve with both hands. "Rhett, you have to help me. I can't go back there. If they send me back, I'll die! I know I will!"Rhett pulled his arm free without hesitating. When he saw me turn toward the other car, he rushed over and grabbed my arm."Nora, where do you think you're going?"I pointed at the large insignia on the vehicle's side. "Level One. Can't you read?"What little color he had left drained out of his face. His jaw tightened. "You're not going to see Elliot Callum, are you?"I didn't answer. I slipped my arm free and got in, pulling the door shut behind me. Then I rolled the window down."You should probably start packing," I












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