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

“Why should that matter?” Mary replied. “You, the two of you, did what was necessary to get away from an awful family situation. That took guts. If you were younger we’d file to be your guardian, too.”


“Yes. As it is, if we do get to be Kel’s guardians, there’s plenty of room for you at our place, if you’d consider living with us.”


Kel looked at Terry hopefully. Terry chewed his lip then shook his head. “That’s a wonderful offer and I thank you, but I have friends down here who…well, I think they need me with them.”


“Rudy does for sure,” Kel said, grinning.


“Kel…” Terry muttered in obvious consternation, shooting a wary look at the Youngs.


“Don’t worry,” Mary said, reaching across to pat his knee. “Tom filled us in on everything about the two of you. We have no problem with the fact you’re gay. Quite the contrary, since our oldest daughter is living in Philadelphia with her partner of two years.”


“See,” Kel said, “not everyone hates gays, Dad to the contrary.”


Chapter 33