A Struggle to Survive

After the death of Richard’s grandpa, his only protector and friend, Richard’s parents separated, leaving Richard and his brother in the care of their father, who hates them, treats them as slaves, and leaves them alone for long periods in a house with no water, electricity, or food. To survive, the boys search for redeemable bottles near a busy freeway, miles from their darkened shelter. When their father returns and takes all their money, the brothers resort to diving into fast food dumpsters (which leaves them incredibly ill) and trying to catch fish and frogs. Richard finds a life in the outside world. To cover his “rent,” he holds several jobs and manages to keep some of his earnings hidden from his father. Numerous acts of rebellion lead to his finding the courage to stand up and declare his right to more than surviveâ€"to be free.