Spring Collection: A Fresh Start for Your Home & Wardrobe
Excitement fills my chest.It’s a mix of home décor and wardrobe updates, blending two things I love—design and style.This is a total fresh start, inside and out.
Even though I don’t live in the city, diving into research makes me feel like I’m right there.The energy of fashion week.The shine of new fabrics.The transformation of spaces as winter fades into a brighter, lighter aesthetic.
I sip my coffee, ready to begin.The company group chat pings in the corner of my screen, filled with other writers and editors bouncing ideas off of each other.It’s reassuring, knowing I can reach out if I hit a roadblock.Which is kind, but I don’t feel stuck.Not today.Because my trial article already proved I can do this.They loved my voice.My perspective.And now, I get to do it again.
I press my fingers against the keyboard.The nervous flutter in my stomach shifts into determination.
And then, I start writing.
Epilogue
Adrian
Laterthatday,Islide into my new truck, the scent of fresh leather wrapping around me as I grip the wheel.I got a heavy-duty Chevy Silverado 2500HD.It’s midnight blue, a color that looks almost black in the shade, but it gleams deep blue under the sun.Inside, it’s all black leather and brushed metal, with a spacious crew cab that’s perfect for hauling wood, groceries, or people.I’ve only had it for a few days, but already, it feels like an extension of me.A symbol of something new, something better.Maybe it’s because I finally have my person—Amelia—back in my house.Not permanently, not yet, but I’ll take what I can get.
The diesel engine roars under the hood as I rest my elbow against the frame of the open window.My other hand tightens around the wheel as the radio blares through the speakers.I’m heading toward the Richards’ family home to pick up Hazel before making our way to the retirement village.
Just as I turn onto their street, my phone rings.I glance at the screen before pressing the button on my steering wheel.“Issac.What’s going on?”
“Not much.”His voice makes me feel like I’m back in the city for a second.“Just figured I’d call, see what you’re up to.It’s been a while since we talked.How’s life treating you?”
Slowing as I near the house, I nod even though he can’t see me.“I’m really happy here.Things with Amelia are going really well.And I’m settling into the new place.”
A low whistle comes through the speaker.“Damn, that’s serious.Guess I’ll have to come down, check out this place of yours, see how domesticated you’ve gotten.”
“That’d be good.”
“I’ve missed your ugly face.”
Hazel steps onto the porch, waving to me.I pull up to the curb and shift into park.“Hey, I gotta go, man.Picking someone up to do some yard work.”
“Yeah, yeah.Yard work, huh?You are getting your hands dirty?”He laughs like the idea is absurd.
“Calm down.It’s for my girlfriend’s sister and the retirement home.Feels good to give back, you know?”
“Look at you, all charitable.Must be that town air.”
“Something like that,” I say, watching Hazel jog down the steps.“Talk soon.”
I hang up as Ms.Richards steps onto the porch.“I’ll bring her back soon.”
“That’s fine, Adrian,” she says, smiling.“Take your time.Thanks for picking her up.”
“Anytime.”
“Oh, and Amelia mentioned dinner.Do you need me to bring anything?”Ms.Richards asks.
“Nah, just yourselves.”
“Looking forward to it,” she says brightly.“Can’t wait to see your new place.”
“Thanks,” I say.“And you’re bringing Monopoly, right?”
“Of course.”
“Mom, don’t forget,” Hazel calls over her shoulder as she comes to stand beside me.
