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

Terry saw that Kel was holding Connie’s hand, letting go of it quickly with an abashed smile when he realized they’d been spotted.


Now that everyone was together again, Tom suggested it might be time to head back to the city. Mary had other ideas, at least for Kel.


“Would you like to spend the night,” she asked him. “George can drop you off when he goes down in the morning to pick up some supplies.”


“Kel,” she replied, “I wouldn’t have asked if I didn’t mean it. Unless something goes terribly wrong you’ll be living here soon enough. You might as well get used to the house and our routines as quickly as possible. Right?”


“I…right. I mean if it’s okay with Ter.”


Terry smiled, patting Kel’s shoulder. “It’s not my decision. If you want to, then say so.”


Kel shook his head. “Not really.” Turning to Mary he said, “I’d love to stay over.”


Chapter 37