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

“Then we’ll catch up.” Ronnie stood and slipped his gun into its holster on his belt. “If you get there first, save us a spot. Keep them safe. I know you will. Should I say something, do you think?”


Dizzy grinned as he turned to address those outside the tent. “I think we all heard you. Whoever wants to come with me, get your shit together. We leave in an hour. If you want to stay…”


He shrugged, as if to say whoever wanted to stay was taking their lives into their own hands. Then he ducked out of the tent and headed for his own, to pack up and get ready to move out.


Ronnie clapped Court’s shoulder as he passed. “Let me check with Bree on the food. Be right back.”


“Don’t forget my rice,” Court yelled after his friend. A thrill of excitement ran through him. In an hour, it’d be just the two of them again. Even in this ravaged, decimated world, having Ronnie all to himself would be paradise.


Chapter 42