The first three stories are concerned with childhood, a child's place in the family, family relations and self-exploration. The first story called "Indulgences" is a story about a grandfather dying, but the most striking part that can be taken from it is the attempt of child sexual abuse that takes place in the home of the late grandfather. The story "Reynaldo" is a story about a grandson discovering his grandfather's past. It talks about inheritance and implied indirectly, the homosexual relationship between Jesus and Reynaldo. The story "Chivalry" is filled with sexual innuendo and sexual exploration of two teenagers.
The next three stories are closely related to the struggle with the illness, regret and emotional turmoil. "My Atzlan: White Place" concerns a man who goes by his old parent home where he suffered abuse from his mother and complicated relationship with father. The "Atzlan" is a reference to the "Chicano Movement". The stories "Unprotected" and "Holy" directly talk about the battle with AIDS.
The final three stories are about the acceptance and being set free from the burden of stigma and pain. "Baptism" is about a girl who finally cuts her long hair to look like a boy, to become what she really feels inside. "Letting go" is a metaphorical story about being set free from the shackles of prejudice, but also about acceptance of one's existence. "Sight" is a story about the acceptance of death. The poems follow the same patterns as well and are concerned with the same topics as the stories.
