The fog in the orchard
An original fiction passage set in the nineteenth century.
By daylight, Anna could have drawn the orchard from memory. Seven rows descended towards the southern wall; the old pear tree stood in the middle; and a gate in the hedge opened onto the path home. She often gathered fruit while reading a letter, trusting the neat lines of trees to lead her back.
At dusk, fog slipped over the wall and settled among the lowest branches. The nearest trunks remained dark and solid, but those beyond them faded into pale stains. Anna put the letter in her pocket. As she walked, the rows seemed to loosen and wander from their places. An apple dropped somewhere ahead, although its muffled thud appeared to come from behind her. She counted the trees beneath her breath, lost the number and began again. At last, a broad shape rose out of the whiteness. Thinking it was the gate, she hurried towards it and placed both hands upon the old pear tree. She had returned to the centre of the orchard without knowing it.
Analyse how the writer uses language and structure to present Anna's growing uncertainty in the orchard. Support your answer with references to the passage.