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

Adam nodded. “Yeah. Apparently I took too long to answer because she left without another word. When I went home that evening, she had already moved out all her stuff. That’s the last time I saw her.”


Court winced in sympathy. “Ouch. So you don’t know if she survived the virus or not?”


“Nope.” Adam stared into the flames for a moment, lost in thought. When he spoke again, he said, “At least I don’t have to worry about Bree pressuring me to get married. I mean, what for? Who cares now?”


The day passed slowly, much as it had with Bree, but the problem with Adam was that he wanted to check Court’s wound every couple hours or so, and kept asking if it hurt. “I’m fine,” Court assured him, once or twice, but after noon when the sun began to dip in the sky, he snapped, “Just stop asking me already, will you? Jeez. There’s nothing you can do about it, anyway.”


Chapter 52