I'm old and grumpy. Can you help?

Well, putting in comedy or romance always makes things more exciting and "happier". I think the last 2 sound good and if you'd like them less depressed then add one of the 2 to the story. Or put something that you desire into a story that'd mix things up ! I also agree with the person above me saying the thing like "Harry Potter is rarely happy but desires happiness" lol . That all the things I can think of . By the way the 1st story sounds a lot like an Edgar Allen Poe story :):) Good Luck !