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

Slowly, he began to distinguish the sound of feet walking over fallen leaves, a crunching sound that started quietly at first but soon grew to drown out the wind and the birds. A shadow passed by the tent, and Court leaned forward a little, anxious. It was Ronnie, right? It had to be. Tentatively, he called out, “How’d it go?”


“Well,” a woman replied, then Bree ducked into the tent flap and sank to the canvas floor beside Court’s injured leg. She gave him a sunny grin. “Some of them tried to get Ronnie to change his mind. Like he’d ever leave you.”


Her words made Court’s breath catch in his throat. “Why aren’t you with them?”


Bree shrugged, her ponytail flopping off her shoulder. “I’m not going.”


“What?” Court clutched the empty Thermos and twisted the cap reflexively. “I thought everyone was.”


“Everyone but you and Ronnie,” Bree pointed out. “And me, and Adam. We decided to stay.”


Great, Court thought. “Wait, no. I thought—”


Chapter 43