Refer to explorations in literature for a complete version of this story. read this excerpt from "after twenty years." there was now a fine, cold drizzle falling, and the wind had risen from its uncertain puffs into a steady blow. which statement best explains o. henry’s choice to set the story on a cold, dark, rainy night? it explains why bob does not recognize his friend jimmy when he talks to the policeman. it shows that bob and jimmy might not be able to meet because of inclement weather. it emphasizes how the weather patterns in new york city can affect peoples’ lives. it demonstrates o. henry’s deep understanding of what life is like in new york city.