Read the sentences from "to build a fire":

any man who was a man could travel alone. but it was surprising, the rapidity with which his cheeks and nose were freezing. and he had not thought his fingers could go lifeless in so short a time.

which best describes the mood created by the author's language here?

a.
grateful and relaxed

b.
excited and hopeful

c.
amused and unconcerned

d.
anxious and alarmed