Answer:
The author creates an uneasy and scary feeling by ending the story with this question.
Explanation:
In "Nighttime in Texas," Dave has traveled to spend spring break with his friend from High School, Carlos. To Dave's surprise, the neighborhood where Carlos lives is completely dark, and not a sound can be heard. It's already midnight and there is no sign of Carlos even being at home, which makes things even stranger since he knew Dave was coming.
While he waits, Dave ends up meeting Patricia. She is wearing a nightgown and slippers - this is a detail that deserves attention. Patricia tells Dave that weird things have been happening in the neighborhood and that the police established a curfew. Most of the residents have been sleepwalking, according to her, and no one has been able to explain why that is.
<em>“Pretty weird, right?” Patricia said. Dave took a moment to form a response.“Yeah, yeah,” he finally managed. “I mean, that’s really crazy. I’ve never heard of anything like that!” After a pause, he continued, “So do you think Carlos—I mean, do you think he’s one of the . . . afflicted?” </em>
<u>We can tell Dave is already scared. But matters get even worse when Carlos shows up driving his car. He tells Dave Patricia is his girlfriend and confirms everything she has just said as being true. He then asks, "You're not scared of the dark, are you?", and that is how the story ends. We are now as scared as Dave. What does that question mean? Are Carlos and Patricia sleepwalking right now (remember her nightgown and slippers)? Will Dave begin to sleepwalk as well? Are they both lying, maybe with the intention of hurting Dave? There is no way to know.</u>
