With five days left until the apocalypse, the entire world seems shrouded in gloom, and the stockpiling activity inside the safe houses is becoming increasingly tense and intense, with every action related to the hope of future survival.
Su Yao knew that in the apocalypse, water was just as important as food, so she focused on stockpiling water resources. She searched every corner of the city for large-capacity water containers, from huge plastic buckets to metal tanks. These containers were placed on a rented van, each carefully inspected to ensure there were no cracks or leaks. Back at the safe house, Su Yao used a water pump to fill these containers. She didn't overlook any usable water source, including water drawn from a nearby stream, which she stored after simple filtration. She also prepared a large quantity of water purification tablets and small filtration devices, which could be used when she needed to use impure water directly. The sound of water sloshing in the containers was like a symphony of life to Su Yao; every drop was incredibly precious.
Dad went to the factory district on the outskirts of the city, where there were some surplus industrial materials. In an abandoned machine shop, he found a considerable amount of high-quality metal materials: steel beams and plates to reinforce the safe house, and steel bars to make simple tools. Dad and several hired workers loaded these heavy metal materials onto a truck. Despite the hardship, Dad's eyes were filled with determination. He knew these metal materials were crucial to building the safety barrier. Back at the safe house, Dad began using a welding machine and other tools to install steel beams and plates in the weakest points, further strengthening its sturdiness. He then crafted the steel bars into simple weapons, such as spears and makeshift shields, to better prepare for potential dangers.
Mom was still busy in the kitchen, continuing to organize and package cooked food, and she also started preparing some dry goods that could be stored for a long time. She made flatbreads using a large amount of flour, cornmeal, and other ingredients. She added water and salt to the flour, kneaded it into a smooth dough, and then rolled it out into thin flatbreads. These flatbreads were slowly baked in a pan over low heat until they turned golden brown and crispy. Mom also added some nuts and dried dates to the flatbreads to increase their nutritional value. The baked flatbreads were placed in airtight bags, the air squeezed out, and then sealed tightly. Meanwhile, Mom made some dried vegetables using the leftover vegetables. She sliced carrots, potatoes, green beans, and other vegetables thinly and dried them in the sun or using a low-temperature drying machine. These dried vegetables could provide the family with essential vitamins and dietary fiber when fresh vegetables were unavailable.
After stockpiling water, Su Yao began collecting daily necessities. She bought a large quantity of toilet paper, sanitary napkins, towels, and other personal hygiene products at the supermarket. These items were packed into large cardboard boxes and transported back to the safe house. She also purchased a lot of cleaning supplies, such as dish soap, laundry detergent, and disinfectant. Maintaining cleanliness and hygiene is equally important in the apocalypse; these products can prevent bacterial growth and reduce the spread of disease. In addition, Su Yao collected some simple furniture, such as folding beds, folding tables, and chairs. This furniture can provide a comfortable living environment when needed, especially when the safe house needs to accommodate more people or when taking refuge elsewhere.
As the day's work came to a close, the family looked at their newly stockpiled supplies, feeling both a sense of accomplishment and deep worry. They knew time was passing and the threat of the apocalypse was drawing ever closer, but they would not give up. Every piece of supplies was a weapon in their fight against the apocalypse, a beacon of hope for survival.
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