Influence of Setting on Emotion

In the excerpt below, the author describes a small coastal town at dusk, focusing on how the setting impacts the characters' interactions and emotions. Consider how the description of the setting contributes to the overall mood of the scene.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting its last golden rays over the harbor, the quaint houses lined the shore, like sentinels under the deepening twilight. The air was filled with the salty tang of the sea, and the distant sound of waves crashing provided a soothing backdrop to the evening's quiet. Shadows lengthened, and a cool breeze stirred the leaves of the nearby trees, whispering secrets as if they were old friends. In this moment, the town seemed to hold its breath, cradling the evening in a tender embrace.

What aspect of the setting most significantly influences the characters' emotions as described in this excerpt?