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

There was no line of butterflies trailing up his calf. The wound was smaller than he thought it would be—two inches long, tops, the ragged edges of skin red and angry. Four bow-shaped bandages held the sides together, and dried blood rimmed the cut. Then some sort of clear seepage glistened wetly in the spaces between the bandages. Seeing it made it hurt worse. “Why’s it look like that?” Court asked. “All red and shit? Man, that hurts like a bitch.”


“Most of this is merthiolate.” Adam pointed to the orangey-red stain spreading out from the wound. “That was the best they had in that little first-aid kit of theirs. This looks really good.”


Court grimaced. “Seriously? It looks like shit.”


“No infection, though. And that’s good.”


Chapter 51