When Terry and Kel Coleman run from their abusive father, they end up in Denver. The day they arrive, they meet three street kids named Rudy, Snap, and Josie. The brothers move into the trio's squat where Rudy and the others teach Terry and Kel the ins-and-outs of survival on the streets. While that happens, Terry and Rudy are drawn to each other and begin a tentative relationship.<br><br>Then Kel is almost kidnapped by a man sent by his father to bring him home. Forced to leave their squat to keep Kel safe, they turn to a local pastor for help. Thanks to the pastor, the five young people may find hope for their future -- if they can survive the present. In the process, can the budding relationship between Terry and Rudy survive, or will it be torn apart by the life they're forced to live?

Surviving

“Okay, on our way home, we’ll look for some,” Rudy declared. “Right now we’d better get moving. As my pappy used to say, the day’s not getting any younger.”


“Better than saying the bastard. Besides which I think Ter’s claimed that one.”


Terry shrugged as he put on his shoes. “It fits. Hell, it probably fits all our dads and a lot more out there.”


“Too true,” Josie said, sighing. “But enough of this.” She grinned impishly. “The last one out the door has to turn out the lights.”


“Douse the candles, you mean,” Snap retorted.


“Well, them’s lights. Right?” She hugged him. Then after everyone blew out the candle nearest them, they took off.


As they walked to the bus stop Kel held back from the rest of the group. It took Terry a minute to realize he had. He stopped, waiting for his brother to catch up, waving the others on when they paused too.


“What’s wrong?” Terry quietly asked Kel.


Chapter 14