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

Quickly he closed his eyes, feigning sleep. But as he heard the underwear band snap against Ronnie’s waist, his friend said, “I know you’re awake.”


Court stretched and rolled onto his back. “I guess we didn’t get attacked last night, eh?”


“Guess not.” A smile flickered across Ronnie’s face and was gone. He stepped into his jeans and pulled them up, covering his legs. “Are you just going to lay there all day or what?”


“What are my options?” Court joked. As soon as he spoke, though, he felt the pressure in his bladder and knew he wouldn’t be able to stay down long. In fact, he needed to go, and he needed to go now. Pushing back the sleeping bag, he scrambled to his feet and snagged his jeans from where they were folded by the radio. He bumped against Ronnie as he struggled to get them on. “Actually, I have to take a piss.”


“Put some shoes on,” Ronnie warned. “There was a heavy frost last night.”


Chapter 32