Jithin’s parents locked him up immediately after he survived a brutal sexual assault, which eventually led him to attempt suicide. The angry red welts on Babu’s and Suresh’s bodies are an instance of the barbaric acts committed by 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 performance and increasingly draconian behaviour towards him. Despite hopes of home as a haven of safety and happiness, the reality these individuals faced was far 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 and lost, their dream of a better life turns to dust as they are caught in a web of exploitation, struggling for even basic necessities. Hariharan S. was once a runaway child, and has now made it his life’s mission to give such children a better life. In Ten Great Escapes, he recounts such unbelievable real stories with the hope of igniting empathy within the individuals and society, spurring them to stand up and support such vulnerable children. These narratives stand as a testament that with a little help from someone who cares, anyone can conquer despair and achieve their dreams.