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

Circling around Ronnie, Court ducked inside the tent and felt his friend catch his foot. “Don’t track any dirt and shit inside,” Ronnie told him. “Sneakers off.”


“They’re just damp,” Court argued. But Ronnie held on tight, and Court fell onto their disheveled sleeping bags, twisting to try and free his leg from Ronnie’s grip. “Let me go.”


Ronnie tugged off Court’s sneaker and dropped it to the ground. “No shoes inside.”


When Ronnie released his leg to tackle the other shoe, Court playfully nudged Ronnie’s back with his bare foot. “Let me go,” he said again, rolling onto his back.


Ronnie did, but not before he ran a single finger along the underside of Court’s foot. The touch was ticklish, causing Court to cry out in surprise. Quickly he pulled his legs into the tent. “Get back out here once you put some clothes on,” Ronnie told him. “We’re going to check out that other camp.”


Chapter 33