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

As they ate, Court waited for Ronnie to say something about Sumter. Hey, you know, I’ve been thinking…But he kept quiet, and Court wondered if maybe he’d changed his mind again. Maybe it’d be nice to take a look, no? Just go on down and see exactly what was happening at the old fort, see how many people had shown up, see if they maybe might want to stay?


Court looked over at Ronnie, who was staring into his bowl and chewing methodically, lost in his own thoughts. He was close enough that Court could nudge him with an elbow. When he did, Ronnie glanced up, blinking, as if disturbed from something ponderous. “Hmm?”


He tried to keep his voice low, but Adam shared a concerned look with Bree, then frowned at Ronnie. “What’s wrong?” Adam wanted to know.


Chapter 82