Read the passage.

I had been kneeling on the island grass; when the unrecognizable flap of frog skin settled on the creek bottom, swaying, I stood up and brushed the knees of my pants. I couldn't catch my breath....

Which best identifies a phrase used to establish tone and explains its effect?


A.I had been kneeling on the island grass; it establishes a calm, collected atmosphere.


B.when the unrecognizable flap of frog skin settled; it demonstrates the author's dislike of nature.


C.on the creek bottom, swaying; it shows the author's growing appreciation of the natural world.


D.I couldn't catch my breath...; it illustrates the author's shock and surprise at the event