Al Roosten, a local business owner always second-best to his competitor, Larry Donfrey, contemplates returning to an anti-drug charity event to ensure that Donfrey is able to help his disabled daughter.

Three girls in three different worlds, ranging from New York City to a fantasy kingdom, all grow diamonds in their bodies when they are sad, and each is exploited for this in a different way. As they grow older, this ability determines the shape and outcome of their lives.

When an alien spaceship lands on Earth in need of help, leaders of countries around the world help and house them, causing tension between humans and these costly guests.