Melanie

Today

The sun is peeking through the curtains as I stand in front of my closet, contemplating what to wear for the trip. Comfort is key, so I opt for a pair of well-worn jeans and a cozy sweater. I grab a few essentials and neatly pack them into my duffle bag, which now sits invitingly on the bed. Daniel should be here soon to pick me up.

As I glance in the mirror, satisfied with my chosen attire, I sigh and sink onto the bed. My thoughts drift back to last night when I found the perfect apartment. It had everything I'd been looking for—spacious, filled with natural light, hardwood floors, a modern kitchen, and that beautiful fireplace.

I could already picture myself curled up in front of it, a steaming mug in hand, engrossed in a good book. The best part? I rented it.

The opportunity was too good to pass up—the rent fit comfortably within my budget, and the apartment was a dream. Now, I just have to order some furniture to make it truly feel like home. Glancing at the clock, I realize I still have some time until Daniel arrives. I open my laptop and delve into the world of online furniture shopping.

The options are endless, and I find myself scrolling through various styles, imagining how each piece would fit into my new space. A sleek, modern sofa catches my eye, and I can almost feel its comfort as I envision myself lounging on it. Perhaps a coffee table with a minimalist design would complement the aesthetic.

Just as I immerse myself in the world of interior design, my phone rings, snapping me out of my thoughts. It's Daniel. I answer with a warm greeting, "Hey, baby, are you outside?" anticipating our imminent departure.

However, his response catches me off guard. "No, Melanie, we actually have to leave a little later today," he says, his tone less than enthusiastic.

Puzzled, I inquire, "What happened? Is everything okay?"

Daniel lets out a frustrated groan. "Yeah, everything's fine. I just need to take care of some things before we leave. I'll see you later." And with that, he abruptly hangs up, leaving me staring at my phone in bewilderment.

What just happened? I'm left with more questions than answers. As I sit there, a sense of unease creeps in. Brushing aside my worry, I refocus on the task at hand—finding the perfect furniture to make my new apartment feel like home.

The minutes pass slowly as I browse through online catalogs, comparing styles and prices. An hour later, I find myself growing restless, so I decide to text Daniel to inquire about our departure time. His response is concise: "Afternoon." I exhale a frustrated sigh, and with a heavy heart, I fall backward onto my bed. My gaze fixates on the ceiling, my mind swirling with questions. What's going on? Ideally, I would already be at Mallory's place. I have missed her so damn much.

Rolling onto my side, I grab my laptop and pull up the webpage showcasing the bedroom set I've been eyeing. The set is a beautiful blend of modern and cozy, with a sleek bed frame, matching nightstands, and a dresser in warm oak tones. The furniture shop is conveniently close by, and with a determined mindset, I decide to seize the opportunity to accomplish something productive while waiting for Daniel.

I get off the bed, grab my keys, and head towards the door. Just as I'm about to leave, my mother's voice reaches me from the living room. "Are you heading to Mallory's?"

I shake my head and reply, "No, Mom, I'll be right back."

With that, I step out. I hop into my car, the engine humming to life as I navigate the familiar streets towards the furniture shop. With each passing block, my mind races, trying to unravel the mystery of Daniel's sudden change in plans. What could have gone wrong? What prevented us from leaving yesterday or this morning? The unanswered questions swirl in my mind, but I push them aside, determined to focus on the positive task ahead.

As I pull into the parking lot of the furniture shop, I can't help but feel a spark of excitement. The prospect of choosing furniture for my new apartment helps distract me from the unanswered questions about our delayed trip.

An hour later, I walk out of the store, having finalized my selections. The bedroom set includes a stylish bed frame with a tufted headboard, matching nightstands with sleek drawer pulls, and a spacious dresser with a large mirror. The warm oak tones of the furniture create a cozy yet modern feel—exactly what I had envisioned for my new apartment. Additionally, I've picked out a comfortable and stylish sofa for the living room, a modern dining table with chairs, and a chic coffee table.

The manager at the store worked with me to ensure I get a good deal since I'm ordering everything from their shop. We negotiated prices, and I leave the store feeling satisfied and excited about my selections. If all goes well, in just two weeks, my new furniture will be delivered, and I'll finally be settling into my new apartment. It's the final countdown to a chapter in my life that promises independence, comfort, and a space uniquely mine.

A wave of empowerment washes over me as I drive back home. It feels like my life is shifting, taking a turn towards independence and self-sufficiency. Don't get me wrong; I really love my parents and I am going to miss seeing them every day, but the prospect of having my own space, returning home after work to a place entirely my own, fills me with anticipation.

Sure, it might have been easier if Daniel had suggested that we move in together, following in the footsteps of Mallory and Adam. However, there's an exhilarating thrill in choosing my furniture, envisioning the space as a reflection of my taste and style. The furniture I ordered today was just the beginning; I still have linens, curtains, plates, cutlery and so much more to pick out. The prospect of filling my new home with carefully selected items has me giddy with anticipation.

I can't think of anything that could ruin my good mood—until Daniel arrives late in the afternoon, clearly in a bad mood. He's driving silently, his face etched with a frown. Though I'm bursting with excitement to share my news with him, the heavy atmosphere in the car tells me that he's not in the mood for such conversations.

I shoot Daniel a puzzled look, my excitement about the new furniture and my impending move momentarily eclipsed by his unexpected frustration. Hesitatingly, I ask, "Is everything okay, Daniel?"

He lets out a heavy sigh, his frustration evident. "I'm really not in the mood for this trip. If it weren't for you insisting, I wouldn't have come."

His words catch me off guard. I didn't force him; I merely asked if he wanted to come. The idea of spending time with Mallory and Adam excited me, and I thought it would be nice for Daniel to join. My voice carries a hint of confusion as I mumble, "I mean, if you didn't want to come, I would have been okay with that."

Daniel shakes his head dismissively, his tone bordering on exasperation. "You're being absurd. It was either we go together, or you wouldn't have gone at all."

I bite my lip, trying to process his unexpected outburst. The joy of my new furniture seems distant now, replaced by an awkward tension in the air. Not to mention that he just said that he wouldn't let me visit my sister on my own. I feel bile rising in me, the feeling of independence I have been feeling all day, suddenly dissipating.