Read the following excerpt from a fictional narrative:
"The old man sat on the creaking porch, his weathered hands cradling a steaming mug of tea. The wind whispered through the leaves, while shadows danced across the yard, evoking memories of a time gone by."
In this excerpt, the author's use of diction and syntax reveals much about the mood and atmosphere of the scene. Which of the following options best describes the effect of the author's choices in language?