Women Age Faster Staying Up Late

"It seems the earthquake will last for a long time. Let's take turns keeping watch. If the situation is not right, we can evacuate in time," Alice suggested.

Hurley looked at her, "Let us men handle the tough work. You and Auntie shouldn't stay up late."

Atticus also felt for his wife and daughter and nodded in agreement, "Yes, women age faster staying up late."

Originally about to refuse any special treatment, Blanche gave him a glare.

Seeing their resolute attitude, Alice knew they wouldn't agree if she opposed, so she just nodded, "Alright, thank you for your hard work."She didn't mind, but Blanche was older, and her body was not as robust as theirs. Staying up late too often could indeed lead to premature aging, as Atticus pointed out.

Arnold made a schedule for night shifts, "I'll take the first shift tonight, followed by the second one tomorrow night, then Hurley, and finally Dad."Everyone agreed, and it was settled.

The shelter was spacious. Alice hung curtains to create several compartments, making it convenient for activities like bathing and changing clothes.Since they would be staying for a while, they decided to tidy up and brought out various pieces of furniture.

"Sleeping in a tent is uncomfortable. Little sister, bring out my bed. I'll hang up the curtains, and it'll be like having a room," Alexander, after two days in a tent, found sleeping on a bed more comfortable.

Alice nodded and brought out his bed. She asked if the others wanted beds too.

Atticus declined, shaking his head, "Forget it. Beds are only comfortable when they are in a room. Otherwise, I won't be able to sleep, might as well stay in the tent."

"...,"

Hurley also didn't want the hassle; he found living in a tent convenient.

After asking around, only Alexander opted for a bed. Not only did he request a bed, but he also had Alice bring out a bedside table. He filled it with various drinks and snacks, placing a potted plant beside it.

He surrounded the area, making it resemble a room. The others watched as he fussed over it."You guys just don't know how to enjoy," Alexander said, pleased with himself.

Arnold gave him a disdainful look, "Just now, you were begging for your life, and now you're a homebody."

Alexander stared at him with a vein popping on his forehead, "Shut up." He did not beg for his life; it was just a moment of contemplation!!!

...

In the blink of an eye, twenty days had passed. During this time, there were aftershocks every day, and the timing was irregular—sometimes every hour, sometimes after several hours.

Feeling the recent aftershock, Alice contemplated, "The earthquakes should be stopping soon." The aftershocks were becoming less noticeable, indicating that the worst might be over.

Alexander was getting tired of staying in the shelter. Unable to go outside due to the dangers, he spent his days lying in bed, exhausted.Even lying down all day is not as enjoyable as I thought."

"Then let's pack up and leave soon," he suggested. He couldn't stand being here another day.

"No, we need to wait a bit longer for safety," Alice disagreed with his impatience.

Blanche also stood by her daughter's side, "Why the hurry? The aftershocks haven't completely stopped yet. Stay a few more days to observe before making a decision."

Alexander decided to keep quiet. After all, he had no say in this family. He could just follow his little sister and enjoy the food and drinks.

The next day, there were no more aftershocks.The same was true for the third day.Waiting for a full ten days without any more earthquakes, everyone felt safer.

Alexander, in a rush, started packing his things. After all, he had more belongings in this place.

Alice indulged him, giving him whatever he needed.

"Let's stay one more night tonight and leave tomorrow morning." Calculating the days, it had been a month, and logically, the earthquakes should be over.Blanche and Atticus were also thrilled, and even cooked several dishes at night, all of which were their favorites.

"The earthquakes are finally over. We must celebrate properly. Hopefully, the journey ahead will be smooth," Blanche expressed her hope for better times.

Hurley, as usual, prepared meat and vegetables. The two brothers from the Allen family cooked, and Alice assisted.

Tonight, they could finally get a good night's sleep without the need for night shifts. Alice couldn't help but show a smile.

Late at night, everyone was sound asleep. Suddenly, the shelter shook violently.

"Get up quickly, another earthquake!" Hurley shouted.

Everyone immediately came out of their tents, and the entire shelter was shaking violently.

"Crack!"Cracks appeared on the walls of the shelter, indicating the intensity of the earthquake outside.

"Damn, when will it end?" Alexander cursed in frustration.

Fortunately, the shelter held up, and the cracks were not too large. It wouldn't collapse immediately.

Blanche suddenly felt incredibly grateful, "This earthquake is several times stronger than the ones before. Fortunately, we didn't leave today; otherwise, we'd be in big trouble."

In the past month, there were countless earthquakes and aftershocks, but the shelter had held up well. Tonight, not only did it shake severely, but even cracks appeared. It illustrated how terrifying it was outside.

Alice frowned. No wonder the last ten days were so calm; the most intense part was saved for the end.

It was impossible to leave ten days ago. The roads outside had already been completely destroyed, making it impossible for vehicles to pass. Even on foot, they wouldn't have gone far in ten days.

The earthquake continued, and tonight was destined to be sleepless. This earthquake lasted for five days.

Even when it calmed down, they dared not leave. Not even Alexander suggested leaving early.

The group spent another half month in the shelter.Thinking that the earthquakes were likely over, Alice suggested leaving the shelter.

"Are you sure we shouldn't stay a few more days?" Alexander asked with concern.

Alice chuckled, "Second brother, a few days ago, you were eager to leave, and now that we can go, you want to stay."

Before Alexander could respond, she continued, "We can't stay here any longer. The cracks on the walls are increasing, and I'm afraid they might collapse at any moment."

Since the strong earthquake started, the cracks in the shelter had been steadily increasing, resembling a dense spider web now. Continuing to stay there was no longer safe.

Moreover, it had been half a month, and regardless of whether the earthquakes were completely over or not, they had to take a chance.

Hurley, as always, supported Alice. He promptly stored his tent in the spatial storage. "I'll help you pack."

Once the decision was made to leave, they needed to act quickly. Lingering would only waste time.

With the most belongings, Alexander didn't want to tire Alice too much. He simply piled the miscellaneous items on the bed and stored the entire bed into the spatial storage.

An hour later, they emerged from the shelter. The roads outside no longer resembled their original state. It was filled with ravines, buried trees, and branches covered by mud, posing tripping hazards.

This stretch of road was definitely impassable by car; they had to walk.

"Be careful," Alice cautioned.

After walking for almost ten hours with occasional stops, they arrived at a small city, now reduced to ruins. All the buildings had collapsed, debris scattered everywhere. There was no place to step safely.

As night fell, the surroundings were eerily silent, and the calls of unknown birds made the atmosphere particularly unsettling.

Alexander felt goosebumps all over.

Tonight, they could only rest briefly in this desolate place.