In the near future, a deadly flu-like virus decimates the Earth's population. The few who remain struggle to survive without electricity, fresh food, or any other amenities they once took for granted. John “Court” Courtland and his best friend Ronnie Densch are two such survivors. Court has never known a time when Ronnie wasn't in his life. They grew up together. But it's only as they begin to move forward in the post-apocalyptic chaos of Virginia that Court realizes he's in love with Ronnie. Always has been, and always will be, even if he never lets himself admit it out loud. Ronnie is a private, inscrutable man who lets no one close to him except Court. With winter coming on, Ronnie wants to move farther south to warmer weather, and Court follows without question. Along the way, they're joined by other survivors, a ragtag bunch all looking for guidance. As they travel, they hear faint radio signals from Fort Sumter, South Carolina, where a rebuild effort is underway. The world Court once knew has changed, leaving behind a dangerous and lawless landscape. But come whatever storms, he knows he can weather them with Ronnie by his side. Will Sumter turn out to be everything Court hopes for and more? And will he find the courage to tell Ronnie how he really feels before it’s too late?

Come Whatever Storms

By now any fresh vegetables they found were spoiled, and anything that had to be refrigerated was of no use. Unopened drinks went in the shopping cart—Court preferred water bottles still in the packaging, which was why he looked on the floor of each vehicle to make sure he wasn’t missing a twenty-four pack of unopened Aquafina somewhere. Sometimes he found drink mixes, and when he did, he took those. Sometimes he found soda, but after months in a hot car, most of the carbonation dissipated the moment they opened the cans, and to Court, nothing tasted worse than hot, flat Coke.


Chapter 5