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

But he didn’t want to make the moment awkward between them. He loved Ronnie, yes, but he didn’t want to force his feelings onto his friend. Whatever Ronnie felt for Court would be enough, it would have to be. It’d always been before.


So to keep from getting maudlin, Court said softly, “That was the first time you ever shot someone, wasn’t it?”


Ronnie snorted, a quick burst of something that might’ve been amusement under different circumstances. “That’s the first time I ever shot a gun, period.”


“You have pretty good aim,” Court said, impressed.


Ronnie shrugged and pulled his hand away. Without meeting Court’s gaze, he gathered up the Thermos and empty water bottle and made a fuss of putting them by the tent flap for later removal. “It was pure reflex. He shot at you, I shot him. What else was I supposed to do?” 7


Chapter 39