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

With a long, silent look, Ronnie assessed him. Whatever he saw must have been all right because he nodded and released Court to head over towards Bree.


This time, Court’s knees held. He wobbled on his feet, a little unsteady still, but he didn’t fall. Instead, he leaned both hands on the warm seat of the ATV and grinned at Adam. “Where do you think we are?”


“Just over the border.” Adam nodded back the way they had come—on the other side of the interstate was a large white sign that read, Virginia Welcomes You. It had a red cardinal sitting on a dogwood tree branch, and the words Virginia: Open for Businessunderneath.


Court grunted. “Talk about false advertising. It should say Closed Until Further Notice.” Raising his voice, he joked, “Hey, if you guys are taking orders, I’d like a Big Mac and a large order of fries.”


He heard the cooler slam shut, then Ronnie appeared from behind Adam. “Sorry, they were all out.”


Chapter 69