Analyzing Tone Through Word Choice

In the following excerpt, the author reflects on the changes in their hometown over the years:

"Each corner of the town, once alive with laughter and light, now lies still beneath a cloak of unyielding silence. The vibrant buildings, which once hosted the joyful gatherings of the community, now stand faded and crumbling, echoing the loss of a vibrant past. The broad avenues, once bustling with pedestrians, have become mere pathways for the wind, carrying away whispers of memories long forgotten."

As you analyze the author's word choice, which of the following best captures the tone conveyed in the passage?