When the streets are hard and life is cheap, both in the neighborhood and out there in the world, boys in the barrio become men before their time. Young Dio Rodriguez, unloved, uncared for, frightened and lonely, was a survivor. By the time he was 13 he had the gang signs to flash and the hard, cool barrel of a gun tucked down the back of his jeans to prove he was a man who could take care of himself. Then he met Jennifer and discovered there was no gun, no gang tough enough, to protect him against the life-changing power of love ...