In the provided excerpt from a short story, the author employs various stylistic devices to shape the tone and character development. Read the excerpt below and analyze how the author's writing style enhances the emotional impact of the narrative. Consider elements such as diction, sentence structure, and figurative language.
Excerpt: "The sky loomed overhead, heavy with the promise of a storm, while the wind whispered secrets through the rustling leaves. Julia stood by the window, heart racing, as if it were drumming a warning. Each lightning flash illuminated her thoughts, restless and turbulent, casting shadows of doubt upon her heart."
In your response, refer to specific examples from the excerpt and explain how they contribute to the overall mood and understanding of Julia's internal conflict.
Note: The provided solution includes an example of a perfect-score answer and explanation. Your response will not be scored.