Feels “the pressure of the earth on all sides” (Howey, 1). The word "press" means to compress or squeeze; exert continuous force against (Oxford). With this choice of words, the reader senses the suffocation that Holston is experiencing. The children do not feel “buried at all, but alive,” yet Holston feels buried, closed off, as if the life has been sucked out of him (Howey, 1). Unlike the children, he has “come to terms” with where he lives and does not believe that people should live this way (Howey, 1). His mind is no longer like that of a child and he knows that there is much more to the outside world than the 150 stories of steel in which they are confined. Learning this implies that he has been deceived his entire life. This deviation from the truth robbed Holston of the joy of being alive, distanced him from his youth, and stole the innocence and confidence that was born in him. It is no longer "new" like children, but it is worn out (Howey, 1). The children's laughter contrasts sharply with Holton's somber climb up the stairs: "trills that were incongruous with Holston's actions" (Howey, 1) . The juxtaposition of Holston and the children creates an atmosphere of suspense and intrigue for the reader. It also establishes the solemn and serious tone that Howey is trying to portray. Holston and the situation he finds himself in are serious. Readers' perception of this is critical to understanding