21. DIY their apartment

In the following days, Emma decided to take a few days off from work. She approached her boss at the restaurant, explaining that she needed a little time to focus on some personal matters. Her boss, understanding and appreciative of her hard work, agreed to let her take the time she needed.

With her newfound free time, Emma and Shirley made plans to turn their apartment into a cozy, welcoming home. They started by heading to the nearby supermarket, pushing a cart through the aisles as they picked out various items—new curtains, throw pillows, a couple of houseplants, and some basic tools for their DIY projects.

"I can't believe we're finally doing this," Shirley said excitedly as she placed a set of colorful cushions into the cart. "It feels like we've been talking about making this place feel like home forever, and now it's actually happening."

Emma smiled, feeling the same excitement bubbling up inside her. "Yeah, I've been looking forward to it. It's about time we made this place our own, right?"

Shirley nodded enthusiastically. "Absolutely! I was thinking we could start by putting up those new curtains in the living room. They'll brighten the place up so much."

"Good idea," Emma agreed as they continued down the aisles, grabbing a few more essentials—a hammer, nails, and a small toolkit. "And I was thinking we could paint that old bookshelf we found in the storage room. It just needs a little TLC to look amazing again."

Once they had everything they needed, they headed back to the apartment, their arms full of bags. They spent the next few hours unpacking and organizing their purchases. The living room was their first project. With the curtains draped over their shoulders, they stood on chairs, carefully hanging them up.

"This is going to look so much better," Shirley said as she adjusted the fabric, ensuring it hung evenly. "I love how the color brings warmth to the room."

Emma stepped back to admire their work. "It really does. I never realized how much of a difference curtains could make."

Next, they tackled the bookshelf. Shirley laid down some old newspapers to protect the floor while Emma opened the can of paint they had picked out—a soft, muted blue. As they started painting, they chatted about everything and anything, the conversation flowing naturally.

"I never thought I'd enjoy DIY this much," Shirley admitted with a laugh as she carefully brushed paint onto the wood. "It's actually kind of relaxing."

Emma grinned. "Yeah, it is. Plus, it feels good to know that we're doing this ourselves. Making this place our own, one little project at a time."

As they worked, the apartment slowly transformed. The new curtains added a splash of color to the living room, and the freshly painted bookshelf became the perfect spot to display a few of their favorite books and knick-knacks. They even found time to hang up some framed photos and art pieces, giving the walls a bit more character.

"It's really starting to feel like home," Shirley said as they stood back to admire their handiwork. "I can't believe we did all this in just a few days."

Emma nodded, feeling a deep sense of satisfaction. "Me neither. But I'm glad we did. It feels good to have a place that's truly ours."

Shirley smiled, a warm, contented expression on her face. "I couldn't agree more. Here's to our little home, and to all the memories we're going to make here."

They clinked their glasses together, filled with the sparkling water they had bought earlier, and toasted to the beginning of a new chapter in their lives.

As they settled into the freshly decorated living room, Shirley turned to Emma, her eyes twinkling. "You know, Emma, I really enjoy doing all these things with you. I feel like we're more than just roommates—we're like family."

Emma felt a warmth spread through her chest at Shirley's words. "I feel the same way, Shirley. I'm really lucky to have you in my life."

Shirley smiled softly. "So, what's next on our DIY list?"

Emma laughed, feeling lighter and happier than she had in a long time. "Well, I was thinking we could tackle the kitchen next. Maybe add a little more storage space, and finally get some matching dishes."

"Sounds like a plan," Shirley agreed. **"Let's make this place even more amazing, one project at a time."

And with that, they spent the rest of the day brainstorming ideas for their next project, the apartment slowly but surely becoming a place where they both felt truly at home.