Haunted by his own fears, Joseph is pursued in his dreams by the Running Man, who runs through the city like a driven soul. This eerie figure is Joseph's personal nightmare. He has never spoken to anyone about him. However, his acquaintance with his reclusive neighbor Tom changes everything: Tom is even more withdrawn than Joseph. He has retreated from the outside world for years. Initially, he meets Joseph's interest with resistance. It is only when Joseph shares his fears and the Running Man that a door seems to open for Tom back into life. Hesitantly, he begins to reveal his dark secret. It is not the secret Joseph expected, but the conversation about it changes both of them, including Joseph's perspective on the Running Man. Awarded the Catholic Children's and Young Adult Book Prize in 2008.