Read the excerpt from a short story. From the porch, the cabin looked as quaint and rustic as the website had promised. I hoisted my duffel to my
hip, unlocked the door with the key I'd been sent, and stepped into the warm air of the mountain home. The
floorboards creaked a welcome as I investigated. I admired the piney living room, noting the stone hearth and
the dappled afternoon light on the walls. Then I made my way toward the sole bedroom at the end of the hall. I
glanced at the eyelet bedcover, the mantle clock, and the antique mirror. Wait. I glanced again at the mirror and
impulsively brushed my hair from my eyes, balking at the coloring of the wayward wisps. How could it be? My
hand touched my skin-the image I faced was a much older version of myself. I backed away, watching my
wrinkled face retreat. I tripped on the doorjamb, stubbed my toe on an errant nail, and nearly toppled over my
own luggage as I lunged for the door.
What technique does the author use to build suspense in the excerpt?
darkening the word choice
quickening the pace of the story
intentionally omitting setting details
making the outcome of events uncertain