Shorty and Alberto are more than best friends. They're blood brothers, both about to turn thirteen, running wild on the streets of Medellin, Colombia. In this troubled South American city, guns speak louder than words. A killing can be bought for next to nothing here, with kids hired to do the dirty work. So when Alberto comes to the attention of a gangland boss, Shorty is left to kick at the dirt and reflect on his lot in life.