Questions: Which statement expresses a theme from the excerpt? A. Winter is a cold and solemn time of year. B. Children bring joy and laughter into a home. C. Strong friendships are unaffected by age and time. D. Memories of old friends bring loneliness and longing.

The answer is D. Memories of old friends bring loneliness and longing.

This option focuses on the season of winter, which may not be directly related to the theme of the excerpt unless the text specifically discusses winter in a metaphorical or literal sense. Without more context, this option seems less likely to express a central theme.

This option suggests a theme centered around the presence of children and their impact on a household. If the excerpt does not specifically mention children or their influence, this option may not be relevant.

This option implies a theme of enduring friendships. If the excerpt discusses relationships that remain strong despite the passage of time, this could be a valid theme. However, without more context, it's difficult to determine if this is the main theme.

This option suggests a theme of nostalgia and the emotional impact of remembering past friendships. If the excerpt reflects on past relationships and evokes feelings of loneliness or longing, this would be a fitting theme. This option seems to capture a more complex emotional experience, which is often a central theme in literature.