According the Cambridge dictionary the word connotation is the associated or secondary meaning of a word or expression in addition to its explicit or primary meaning for example: A possible connotation " of home" is a place of warmth, comfort and affection.
In this case the word joyful is an adjective which its meaning is very happy or making people feel very happy.
In summary the most connotatively charged is joyful (option D).
This story was taking place around sunset. I can tell because at the beginning of the story it mentions the horizon casting red clouds and at the end it says it's seven thirty.
