How to Raise a Baby in an Apocalypse - Chapter 212
After a while, Little Mint drifts off to sleep, and Doll in Anran’s arms is finally full. She gently withdraws her arm from around Little Mint, finds a thin blanket to cover her, then places Doll back into the crib and changes her diaper.
After some thought, Anran collects the wet diaper that the baby just used, carefully placing it in a large plastic bag. These soiled diapers might prove useful in the future.
She looks at the baby lying in the crib, waving tiny hands and babbling as if singing an unknown tune. Amused, Anran lightly taps the hanging toy at the crib’s head. The baby’s dark, round eyes immediately fix on it, completely absorbed in the movement.
Seeing that Doll is focused on the toys, Anran quickly steps out of the maternity store, heading into the dark mall to find Yun Tao, Liu Yuan, and Heng Heng.
The two adults are still sitting near the escalator. Heng Heng is curled up on Liu Yuan’s lap, fast asleep. Liu Yuan holds the child with one arm while leaning against Yun Tao, exhaustion evident in every line of her posture.
The ground around them is a mess, but Yun Tao’s wound has been carefully treated by Liu Yuan.
As soon as Anran approaches, Yun Tao’s eyes flutter open, a sharp glint flashing through them.
“Why are you all sleeping here?”
Anran’s gaze lands on Heng Heng, so small and vulnerable, sleeping on the cold floor. The sight is pitiful. She bends down to pick him up, but Liu Yuan stirs awake instantly, instinctively raising her bandaged arm to block Anran.
Then, realizing it’s Anran, she lets out a relieved breath and loosens her grip, allowing Anran to carry Heng Heng.
“Come to the maternity store and sleep. I’ve laid out some quilts there.”
Cradling Heng Heng in her arms, Anran turns and walks away.
Behind her, Liu Yuan silently helps Yun Tao up, and the two injured individuals follow her.
As they walk, Yun Tao speaks up. “Anran, Gate No. 1 isn’t sturdy. It’s going to break tonight.”
“I know. Go rest first. I’ll reinforce it later.”
She glances back at Yun Tao before leading them into the maternity store. She places Heng Heng next to Little Mint and then gestures toward the section where the quilts are stored. She doesn’t say anything—there’s no need. Liu Yuan and Yun Tao understand immediately. If they want to rest, they’ll have to lay out their own bedding.
Anran hurries over to check on Doll. The little one, who had been mesmerized by the crib mobile earlier, has now dozed off without a fuss. Amused, she tucks a small quilt over Doll’s belly.
Then, she makes a decision—she carefully moves the crib out of the maternity store and places it near the escalator. Doll will sleep on the second floor, while she goes downstairs to gather crystal cores.
A mother has to survive, even in the apocalypse.
There are so many things she hasn’t planned for, so many things no one can help her with. She has to do it all herself—splitting her time between picking up crystal cores, reinforcing the flower wall, and rushing upstairs whenever Doll cries to handle feeding, diaper changes, and soothing.
It’s exhausting. But what choice does she have?
Every mother in the world carries this burden.
Inside the maternity store, two children and two injured adults need rest. Anran can’t ask them to help. Doll is her child, and no one can care for her the way she can.
