The setting includes the place where a story occurs and this is related to the geographical features of the place such as the existence of mountains or a forest, the location of the place, and even the buildings in this place. Moreover, this setting is explained to the reader by using descriptive language that allows the reader to imagine or visualize a location. This is better exemplified in "shoebox-sized store" because this detail refers to the buildings in this place, which is part of the setting, and it allows the reader to imagine the specific store by using words that explain the store is rather small.
By saying that, he indicates that they know each other very well and that without talking, they have similar ideas and outlooks on the world in response to certain situations.
