Which of the following statements is an example of a metaphor?

a. the trees swayed gently as nature's dancers.

b. the dog ran straight into the patch of wet cement.

c. her voice was like a thick velvet blanket.

d. the horse hooves of rain landed loudly on the tin roof.

it's due today!

Read this passage: byron and mitch are co-captains of the mathletes, their high school's academic team. they are backstage with the five other team members, preparing to compete in the state math quiz. byron sits on the floor with his eyes closed and his earbuds in, listening to classical jazz, which him focus his mind and energy. suddenly, he feels a presence beside him. he opens his eyes to see mitch staring at him. "mathletes! mathletes! " mitch chants loudly. mitch gives byron a thumbs-up and then proceeds to strut around like a peacock, high-fiving the other team members, as byron shuts his eyes again and does his best to refocus his mind which statement best summarizes the passage?