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

During a commercial, Ronnie drank down the last of his soda and set the can on the arm of the sofa, then pressed down on it until it crushed beneath the weight of his palm. Court glanced up, saw the contemplative look on his friend’s face, and leaned back over the laptop again. “What’re you thinking?”


He didn’t expect much of an answer. Sometimes when Court asked Ronnie what was on his mind, the reply was a bemused grunt, nothing much. Or he’d come up with something like, “Let’s order in Chinese for dinner,” or “Let’s go see that new Bruce Willis movie tonight. What’s it called again?”


When he said something along these lines, Court knew he meant just the two of them—if Court asked about inviting the girls, Ronnie would shrug and say Melissa had a class, or they wouldn’t really like that film. Which told Court their relationship was still foremost in Ronnie’s life. They were together 24/7. Sometimes the girls tagged along. Sometimes they didn’t.


Chapter 30