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

“You don’t haveto like it,” Court told him. “Let’s just get out of here alive and we can figure out what to do then.”


Still Ronnie hesitated. Behind them, Court heard the others in their group moving away—from the corner of his vision, he saw Adam backpedaling, pulling the shopping cart noisily with him, and on the other side, Dizzy took exaggerated steps that would’ve been comical under other circumstances. Even Bree was backing up, shaking off Court’s grip as she stepped behind him, not daring to turn her back to the jailbird.


Court’s hand dropped to Ronnie’s belt and tugged. “Come on, Ronnie. I want to just go already.”


Chapter 27