They had opened their hearts, like flowers to the springtime, and the merciless winter had fallen upon them.

how does the author use figurative language in the sentence to contribute to the meaning of the passage?

a. to illustrate how nature played a part in the couple’s relationship
b. to convey a sense of beauty about the couple’s relationship
c. to contrast the expectations of the couple with the reality they experience
d. to emphasize the short time the couple experienced together