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

“We can’t take Court with us,” Adam continued. “Leave him here, with enough food for a week or so, I don’t know, some pain pills, maybe a gun. Let him fend for himself. When he gets well enough, he can follow us.”


Court wondered if now would be a good time to let them know he was awake and listening in, but he wanted to hear what Ronnie wanted to do. What Ronnie would say.


For a long moment, nothing came. No response. Court knew his friend well enough to picture the hard look Ronnie was leveling at Adam right about now. The fact that Adam wasn’t running for the hills said something about his own character, and Court couldn’t fault him for wanting to leave with the others. He didn’t know the guy, really. They’d only met a few weeks back, when Adam fell in with Ronnie and him. If he wanted to keep going, let him.


An eternity seemed to pass before Ronnie spoke. “Leave him to die, you mean.”


Chapter 38