On the fifth day before the apocalypse, I set out to stockpile supplies.

I loaded up on various meats: 25 kilograms each of pork, beef, lamb, and chicken; 50 cases of canned meats; and 25 pounds of dried beef. I also grabbed 250 kilograms of rice, 250 kilograms of flour, 50 boxes of instant noodles, 100 boxes of compressed biscuits, and 100 bags of frozen dumplings and wontons.

I picked up 50 kilograms each of long-lasting fruits and vegetables, 50 barrels of cooking oil, and 30 bottles each of salt, soy sauce, and other seasonings.

All of this was arranged for delivery to my designated address. I then hit the supermarket for snacks, drinks, hotpot ingredients, and frozen foods like chicken legs and wings.

At a nearby hospital, I stocked up on medicines, cold remedies, ibuprofen, various antibiotics, and, crucially, masks. I also ordered several sets of protective gear, which should be ready in two days.

As night fell, I stored most of the supplies in the basement, leaving just a small portion upstairs. This reinforced house would offer some protection against the initial sandstorm.

On the fourth day, I bought 500 cases of bottled water, 250 kilograms of diesel, and 250 kilograms of cat litter for emergency sanitation. I also picked up 100 boxes of toilet paper, 30 sets of clothes for each season, 50 boxes of daily toiletries, and 10 power banks.

After a grueling day of shopping, I called my mom.

She had followed my list and bought many of the items, even sending me videos to prove it. I finally felt a bit more relieved.

On the third day, I focused on buying weapons and tools, including Swiss Army knives, stun guns, binoculars, gas masks, and radios, to prepare for any situation.

I also visited a fitness store and bought a treadmill, yoga mats, and an abdominal machine.

Staying fit would help prevent illness and keep me ready to defend myself.

On my way home, I stopped by a farmer’s market and remembered the importance of seeds. I picked up a variety of vegetable and fruit seeds to add to my growing stockpile.

On the second-to-last day before the apocalypse, I went out to gather a few more supplies. By this point, I’d already stocked up on most of what I needed, but I couldn’t shake the thought of how boring life might get once everything fell apart.

I waited until Luther was at work and my mother-in-law was out at her dance class before heading back to their house. I set up hidden cameras in a few strategic spots, curious to see how they’d react when they realized they were cut off.

So far, they hadn’t noticed that I’d canceled their access to our joint accounts. They were probably down to their last bit of cash by now.

I couldn’t wait to see the panic set in when they realized there was nothing left for them to live off of.

Last time, I had foolishly stocked up on supplies after hearing the weather warnings, and it ended up keeping Luther, his mother, and Hayley going for a while. They repaid me by turning on me at the first sign of trouble.

This time, I wasn’t going to make the same mistake.

As I was leaving, I ran into Hayley in the neighborhood. She got off work earlier than Luther, and when she saw me, she waved her keys, smirking. “Well, if it isn’t Sophia. Enjoying your hotel stay?”

I gave her a cold smile. “Much better than staying in that house that reeks of you. If I hadn’t come back to grab a few things, I wouldn’t have known how fast it picked up your scent.”

Her face went pale, and she looked at me in shock.

I didn’t bother sticking around to see her reaction and just walked away.

They said in times of peace, you bought antiques while in times of chaos, you bought gold. On the final day, I kept a bit of cash on hand and used the rest to buy gold.

I also grabbed some books and downloaded movies, TV shows, and e-books onto my phone and tablet.

That evening, I treated myself to a feast, sweet and sour ribs, braised fish, and cumin beef. I savored every bite.

Around nine, as I was settling into bed after a shower, my phone rang. It was Luther.

I didn’t answer. They’d probably just realized the cards were deactivated and were calling to beg.

Later that night, just as I was drifting off to sleep, the sandstorm arrived silently. The end of the world had begun.