From the porch, the cabin looked as quaint and rustic as the website had promised. I hoisted my duffel to my hip, unlocked the door with the key I’d been sent, and stepped into the warm air of the mountain home. The floorboards creaked a welcome as I investigated. I admired the piney living room, noting the stone hearth and the dappled afternoon light on the walls. Then I made my way toward the sole bedroom at the end of the hall. I glanced at the eyelet bedcover, the mantle clock, and the antique mirror. Wait. I glanced again at the mirror and impulsively brushed my hair from my eyes, balking at the coloring of the wayward wisps. How could it be? My hand touched my skin—the image I faced was a much older version of myself. I backed away, watching my wrinkled face retreat. I tripped on the doorjamb, stubbed my toe on an errant nail, and nearly toppled over my own luggage as I lunged for the door. What technique does the author use to build suspense in the excerpt? darkening the word choice quickening the pace of the story intentionally omitting setting details making the outcome of events uncertain
