creates a sense of compassion for Cal as the reader then wonders why he ended up involved in a murder. It is revealed that Cal lives alone with his father as his mother and brother have both been killed. This enables the reader to understand the tough life that Cal has to endure as it is also made apparent that he does not get on very well with his father. This is initially shown through the fact that the only time they communicate well is when they are whispering in the dark in fear of being heard by the U.V.F. The fear that they live in is shown when they receive a threatening letter from the U.V.F and they end up having to be prepared to evacuate the house in a hurry if need be:
             "Cal thought about sleeping with his shoes on but
             instead set them together beside the bed, left on
             the left, right on the right."
             This allows the reader to see the taxing life that Cal has to live as he is in constant fear for his life.
             ...