Understanding Metaphors in Descriptive Language

Read the following passage and answer the question that follows:

In the dim light of the café, she felt like a solitary star adrift in a sea of shadows, surrounded by countless stories unfolding around her. Her thoughts danced like fireflies—flickering, bright, and elusive—each thought momentarily illuminating the darkness before disappearing into the vast expanse of her imagination. The soft hum of conversation was a distant symphony, merging with the clinking of cups and the rich aroma of coffee wafting through the air, creating a tapestry of life that pulsed quietly within the cozy space.

As she scribbled notes in her well-worn journal, each word she wrote was a fragile wisp of smoke, swirling away into the atmosphere. The pressure of expectation weighed on her chest like a leaden cloak, enveloping her in comfort yet suffocating her creativity. In that moment, she wished to break free, to stretch her thoughts beyond the confines of her reality and into the vibrant landscapes of her dreams.