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

Ronnie dropped his hand onto Court’s sleeping bag. It rested heavily on Court’s hip, the weight welcome through the downy material. “We’ll get you some,” Ronnie promised. “I’ll keep an eye out while we’re going through those houses.”


“What if you find someone alive out there?” Someone with a gun,Court thought but didn’t add out loud. Someone who shoots when you try to break down their door.Suddenly he didn’t want Ronnie to leave him. What if he never saw his friend again?


With a comforting squeeze on Court’s sleeping bag, Ronnie pointed out, “Anyone still alive out there would have already killed those chickens to eat, don’t you think?”


Unwilling to concede defeat so soon, Court suggested, “Maybe whoever’s out there is a vegetarian.”


Ronnie rolled his eyes. “You can’t be picky about what you eat when you don’t know where your next meal is coming from. If anyone was still alive out in that neighborhood, those chickens wouldn’t be.”


Chapter 50