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

It didn’t seem to take as long to travel down to the vehicular blockade as it had the day before. As the line of automobiles strung out ahead of them grew with each footstep, Court realized exactly how close they’d been to the attack. If the wind had changed, if the animal had scented their camp instead…


When they got as far as they’d managed the day before, Ronnie stopped. Court closed the distance between them, hovering slightly behind his friend. On the other side of the road, Adam bunched up closer to Dizzy. The men exchanged a wary look, then Dizzy nodded. Turning to the gap between the cars and the median wall, Ronnie called out, “Hello?”


Yesterday there had been mean laughter and the sound of guns being cocked in warning. Today, no one answered Ronnie’s call. Even the wind seemed to cease for a moment, the trees around them falling silent.


Chapter 34