Language that creates atmosphere

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When describing a scene, it is important for the author to show what the character sees and feels. You can use all senses: sight, smell, touch, sounds, and taste. The shortest sentence can give a ‘vibe’ of a place, and create a sense of doom, hope, or sorrow.

Examples:

1. Storm clouds loomed in the horizon, as Nancy trudged uphill to the stone castle, pulling her coat tighter with trembling hands. The iron gates creaked open. She ran down the mossy cobblestone pathway to the double doors. Two stories above, a curtain swished in the breeze. Had someone seen her?
2. A mockingbird trilled outside, and the fragrance of orange blossoms wafted in from the window. Dust motes danced in the sunbeam from the dawn of a new day. Nancy hummed as she opened the window to a crimson sunrise over the misty pines.  
3. Moonlight filtered in from the window blinds. John stared at the empty pillow beside him and imagined her profile in the bunched up blanket. He touched the cool pillowcase, yearning for her warmth one more time as crickets chirruped outside. She was in a better place. Life would go on. He just had to find a way. 

​What do the above scenes portray?

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