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

“Hey.” Court stepped back to let Adam enter.


But Adam shook his head. “Ronnie wants everyone by the fire. May’s gone.”


Court felt an icy hand grip his heart. “She died, too?”


“We don’t know. She’s just…gone.”


Though the late afternoon sun slanting through the treetops still provided plenty of light, everyone in their little group was gathered around the remains of the morning fire. Or rather, most of them gathered around one endof the fire; only one person stood opposite them on the other side. Ronnie.


Court felt like the last piece of a puzzle sliding into place as he took his familiar stand beside his friend. “What’s going on here?” he asked.


Chapter 16