The Men in the Walls

"The Men in the Walls" by William Tenn is a science fiction story that throws us into a secret world underground, where people are split into two groups: the Men and the fearsome Monsters. The story follows Eric the Only, who is trying to become a man by stealing from those dreaded Monsters. The story explores what it means to be brave, how society shapes us, and whether the Monsters are as savage as everyone thinks. Eric is nervous but eager to prove himself because his parents were famous thieves. His uncle, Thomas the Trap-Smasher, pushes him to think differently, challenging everything their society believes. Eric's journey is full of tough choices, scary situations, and discovering who he really is in this dangerous world.