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

There were no bodies inside the minivan. Hey, thanks for that,Court thought, then realized he was maintaining a one-sided conversation with nobody and stopped. The apocalypse had come and gone, the rapture was over, the end had washed right over them and he—along with Ronnie, and Adam, and a handful of others—they were all still here. Fighting to survive. Fighting to get by. And who did he have to thank for that?


“Talk to me,” he said out loud, if only to chase away his gathering thoughts. He’d followed Adam into the minivan, and though it took a moment for his eyes to adjust to the dim interior, he could hear his friend rummaging through what sounded like plastic shopping bags. “Adam? What’d you find?”


A magazine came fluttering toward Court, who caught it and glanced at the cover. Playboy. Court laughed as he leafed through it. “Of all the things to take with you when you go.”


Chapter 6