Read the passage.

the storm

i was home alone one night while an apocalyptic storm raged outside, rain beating incessantly on the roof, wind causing the branches of the ancient oak tree to scratch against my window like deathly fingers.

suddenly, the lights went out. i scrambled to find a flashlight, only to discover that it would not turn on. shaking it wildly, i soon realized that the batteries were dead. my pulse had just returned to normal when i heard pounding on the door. as i tiptoed to look out the window, i caught a glimpse of my stricken expression in the hall mirror and valiantly tried to swallow my terror.

there, standing on the front porch, was my older brother, drenched from head to toe and glowering at me through his dripping hair.

how does the author create surprise in “the storm”?

a) the personification of the trees and the wind shocks readers; it is unusual for someone to be this afraid of a storm.

b) the description of the storm creates a somber mood; this contrasts the narrator’s happiness upon seeing his brother.

c) the first two paragraphs build tension, making the reader think something horrible is about to happen.

d) the vivid and terrifying description of the storm and house contrast the narrator’s expectations.