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

Across from him sat Ronnie, around the same age but already beautiful in Court’s eyes. He didn’t crush his crackers but instead used them as scoops, ignoring the spoon in favor of eating right off the cracker instead. He’d look across the table at Court and grin, a boyish smile that promised fun and adventure as soon as lunch was over.


So innocent, the both of them. So alive, so real, but so long ago, it took Court’s breath away.


He sniffled into the soup, his eyes stinging with tears or the steam rising off the Thermos, he wasn’t sure which. Bree heard and asked, “Is it burned?”


“It’s fine,” he assured her. “Tastes great.”


She glared at him, then relaxed when she realized he wasn’t joking. “Good. Adam says you get another dose of the antibiotics when you finish eating, and if you need something for the pain, I can give you one of those pills, too.”


“Adam says,” Court murmured, teasing.


Chapter 46