In the book "Long Way Down" by Jason Reynolds, the people on the elevator do not greet each other in a traditional manner. Instead, they have a specific code of conduct and a set of rules that govern their interactions. They don't speak to each other, make eye contact, or show any emotion because they are part of a cycle of violence and revenge. The silence and lack of communication serve as a way to maintain this cycle and avoid further conflict. It's a powerful narrative choice by the author to illustrate the impact of gun violence and the perpetuation of a tragic cycle.
