Veronica’s apartment always felt warm— but today, it looked like a hurricane of cardboard boxes and half-opened bags from the dollar store.

She stood in the middle of the chaos, hands on her hips, wearing leggings and a messy bun that somehow still looked intentional. “Okay,” she declared. “We’re gonna make this place cute. Or at least less… sad.”

You kicked one of the boxes with your toe. “This one looks like it’s from 1998.”

Veronica laughed. “That’s because it is. Kev found it in the back room. Might have a ghost. Maybe two.”

You grinned. “Well then I guess it’s our responsibility to exorcise it with fairy lights.”

She pointed at you. “Exactly. Now grab that bag. We’re starting with the wall.”