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

Ronnie preferred a space just on the outskirts of the makeshift city. The southernmost point of their little group, as if positioning himself at their head. The brains of the operation, and the fire between his tent and the others burned like the heart behind their southern movement. Once their tent was erected, Court laid out their sleeping bags in the same manner as he did every night—himself on the left, Ronnie on the right. Their lantern and the radio sat at the back of the tent between their pillows.


A place for everything, and everything in its place.


After dinner, Court stripped down to his briefs and crawled into his bags. Beside him, Ronnie sat in an undershirt and boxers, his gun dismantled on a chamois cloth as he began his nightly ritual of cleaning it. Court fiddled with the radio a bit, but could get in nothing but static. Glancing at Ronnie, Court watched his friend’s hands smooth lovingly over the gun. “You could’ve used that this afternoon,” he said.


Chapter 28