It is a fragile thing that binds a family. It's footsteps on the verandah -- keys in the front door -- laughter in the kitchen. A mother and her three children have made a pact to stick together no matter what. But poverty keeps moving them on. From home to home, bundling together, fleeing in the night. Their last chance for a roof over their heads is to live with the mother of the man who abandoned them. With vivid characterisation, empathy and invention, Walshe weaves a moving story about a floating population living on the fringes of Melbourne's suburbia, battling the consequences of a changing Australia. Thrown back on their own resources, this family is 'making the best of it' in a world that keeps handing them the worst. This is an affectionate story about love, courage and resilience; written with a tender sympathy for how fragile families are. And how the children are always the first to know when their time together is up. (1 male, 4 female).