Chato de Shamrock is proud to announce that he is quitting school to work as a writer—that is, the type of writer that signs his name on every fence and signpost in Eastside LA. After arguing with his father, Chato escapes his family home and heads off to wipe the mark of the Sierra Street gang off the front gate. Chato belongs to the rival de Shamrock gang, but being the only member left, he writes his name on a fence on Main Street to prove that he’s still around and takes his time to produce perfect penmanship. For a moment, Chato considers applying for a job but decides that he prefers writing his name all over town. He then bumps into the Sierra Street gang and Mr. Calderon, who works at the Boys’ Club. Mr. Calderon tries to have a conversation with Chato about his future, which bores him immensely. After leaving the Boys’ Club, Chato notices someone has drawn a heart in red lipstick around one of his names. He gets into a tussle with the girl, who asks if he wants to go writing together and have some fun. Chato, however, thinks of his reputation and refuses. Alone, he watches people inspect—and appreciate—his name written everywhere. He decides to be a ghost, one whose name is known by everyone.