Which of the author's specific word choices in the

following passage from "The Morning of June 28,
1948, and 'The Lottery"" best impacts the article's
tone?
On the morning of June 28, 1948, I walked down to
the post office in our little Vermont town to pick up
the mail. I was quite casual about it, as I recall - |
opened the box, took out a couple of bills and a
letter or two, talked to the postmaster for a few
minutes, and left, never supposing that is was the
last time for months that I would pick up the mail
without an active feeling of panic.
(1 point)
in our little Vermont town
active feeling of panic
talked to the postmaster for a few minutes
I opened the box

The specific word choice "active feeling of panic" best impacts the article's tone by conveying a strong sense of impending fear and unease.