The Frozen Apocalypse: Betrayal and Rebirth Chapter 4

With just Emma and me, organizing everything took until January 2nd.

Time was limited. Originally I'd planned to reinforce windows and install insulated sliding doors, but those required customization.

In the end, I could only reinforce the security door and install several additional layers of security inside.

The installation worker curiously asked why I needed so many layers. I lied mysteriously, telling him I'd heard rumors of a pervert in this complex.

He listened and silently tightened the security locks even more.

At the hardware store, I bought two thick iron chain locks for blocking the fire escape in special circumstances.

I'd observed earlier—the unit across the hall seemed empty with no signs of occupancy.

Looking at the three-bedroom apartment with two rooms full of supplies, I finally felt at ease.

Emma organized while looking worried. "Dad, is there another lockdown coming?"

I remembered the pandemic two years ago. I'd single-handedly kept the house fully stocked, everything proper. They'd never felt tense at home, never lacked food or drink, even gained weight during lockdown.

In the end, Lily learned from her grandmother to complain I spent too much money, feeling bad for her mom's earnings while my job paid less. What a family of ingrates!

I went home with Emma to pack some things. I'd bought an entire bookshelf of children's books.

I'd told her that books enrich the soul, cultivating a reading habit. But Lily had learned somewhere to say arrogantly: "Knowledge is useless. What's the point of reading so much? Girls just need to be raised pretty!"

"I'll depend on you and Mom now, find a husband to depend on later, depend on my son when I'm old!"

I'd lectured her extensively then, but she never read a single book. Emma, however, read them over and over.

I also had people install several comprehensive surveillance cameras at home, with one externally connected to a hidden power bank plugged in.

In the apocalypse, I wanted to see how they'd survive without me.

By the time everything was organized, it was already January 3rd. I scrolled through my phone, recalling how temperatures had dropped once in early December. News had mentioned a new cold front arriving after New Year's.

But because temperatures rose during the holiday, people paid no attention and couldn't imagine that once the snow came, it would never stop.

I contacted several close friends, telling them news mentioned an incoming cold front, hinting they should stockpile some things.

Lily sent me many photos: "Dad, look how comfortable the hot spring resort is!"

In one selfie through the steam, I saw Rebecca and Derek embracing in the background.

I didn't know if it was intentional or not. Enjoy yourselves—savor your last warmth.

Unexpectedly, they returned quite early this time. The moment Rebecca got home, she called me: "Michael Mitchell, where did you go? Why aren't you home? There's not even a hot meal ready!"

I watched the surveillance as the three of them walked in and threw down their luggage. In the past, I would have scurried around picking up after them.

Rebecca was in sales with irregular hours, while I worked nine-to-five with weekends off—very fixed schedule.

I feigned anxiety: "Oh, you're back already? Ah, Emma and I probably won't be back until tomorrow. Couldn't get tickets today. You'll have to take care of Lily—remember to send her to school early tomorrow!"

Rebecca was about to suggest a taxi when her mother shot her a look. She muttered: "Taxis are so expensive. Train is cheaper. They'll be back tomorrow anyway!"