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

Court grimaced. “Ugh. I bet it looked this bad before the end of the world rolled around.”


Leaning in farther, Ronnie spotted something on the wall and nodded. “Didn’t you say you wanted more condoms? You can probably break into the dispenser and grab the lot.”


Tempting, but…Court backed away and shook his head. “I’m not going in there! I’ll need a damn tetanus shot. I already got a bullet hole in my leg. What, you want me to get infected?”


“You’re mostly healed,” Ronnie said, but he let the door swing shut and didn’t pursue it further. Instead, he headed towards the end of the hall, where a large, open room held a variety of vending machines that had been broken into and worked over by earlier visitors to the welcome center. He took a quick look around and turned, dismissing the mess


Chapter 73