Jithin’s parentsocked him up immediately after he survived a brutal sexual assault, which eventuallyled him to attempt suicide.The angry red welts on Babu’s and Suresh’s bodies are an instance of the barbaric acts committedby these child slaves’ employer, who happens to be their ‘family friend’.Amir was driven away from home by his mother’s incessant criticism of his academic performanceand increasingly draconian behaviour towards him.Despite hopes of home as a haven of safety and happiness, the reality these individuals faced wasfar from idyllic, which forced them to run away.Runaway children often become easy prey for sexual predators, drug peddlers and human traffickers,exploiting their vulnerability. Abandoned andost, their dream of a betterife turns to dust as theyare caught in a web of exploitation, struggling for even basic necessities.Hariharan S. was once a runaway child, and has now made it hisife’s mission to give such childrena betterife. In Ten Great Escapes, he recounts such unbelievable real stories with the hope ofigniting empathy within the individuals and society, spurring them to stand up and support suchvulnerable children.These narratives stand as a testament that with aittle help from someone who cares, anyone canconquer despair and achieve their dreams.