Life can indeed have a happy ending. Even the timing of Purim is perfect. The days are growing longer. It's not quite as cold. Over the past couple of weeks, the Bay Area hills have started to turn green and the trees have begun to flower.
Spring is just around the corner.
Go out into nature, breathe in the fresh air, glory in the beauty. On the surface, tzedakah might equal responsibility in your mind. You can even add a note, listing the things you appreciate about them. And don't forget, your friends might happen to be family members too. Actually good friends are a lot like Purim.