Read the following short story excerpt and identify the tone: The desk clerk was
Read the following short story excerpt and identify the tone:
The desk clerk was an unfriendly man – pale, gaunt, and stooped-over. Something about his smile seemed off, even disingenuous. Through his smile, Kylie glimpsed yellow-black rotting teeth. And his breath was as rancid as his disposition. He mentioned the funeral. Had I told him I am here for a funeral? Relieved to walk away from him, Kylie glanced at her key card. Her room number was thirteen. No way. She turned and, out of the corner of her eye, caught him glaring at her. The annoying, insipid smile was gone. Get out! Instead of leaving, she found herself progressing up a steep and narrow staircase in search of Room Thirteen.