Answer:
The setting affects how Lucía reacts to George by making her feel distant and separate from this stranger in a new place.
In the excerpt, Lucía describes how Miami feels more sterile compared to Cuba, where the air tasted sweeter and the sounds and rhythm of life were different. She feels disconnected from the environment, which likely contributes to her inability to concentrate on George's words.
Therefore, the correct answer is C: She feels distant and separate from this stranger in a new place.