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

“You can have this space for your canned goods and what have you,” he told them, opening a narrow cupboard along one wall. “If you buy anything that needs to be refrigerated, the ladies said to put it in this.” He pointed to a wire basket that was sitting on the counter. “They promised,” he chuckled, “not to touch your food if you don’t touch the church’s. You know where the restrooms are. I’m sorry they don’t have bathing facilities but I suspect all of you are experts at washing up at a sink.”


“Big time,” Rudy agreed with a grin. “And when we do want to shower we can hit up one of the drop-in places.”


Tom nodded. “Speaking of which, I found one where you can work on getting your GED and it won’t cost you a cent.”


“Yes, Rudy, for real. I did ask about the chances that Josie and Snap could too but they’re not old enough yet to take the test.”


“Okay. But that doesn’t mean they can’t study for it, does it?”


Chapter 34