Susan shivered as the cold air filled her lungs. the quiet snow blanketed the ground and crunched beneath her feet as she made her way to the lonely mailbox. her hope hung around her like a heavy coat. once more she stood before the mailbox, closing her eyes. looking up toward the trees above her, tiny green buds appeared on the branches of the smallest oak. the fears of the long, hard winter began to fade and she opened the door, knowing that this time would be different.

what object in the paragraph best symbolizes hope?

the mailbox
the snow
the buds
the door