The morning sun streamed in through the windows, casting a warm glow on the apartment. I sat on the floor, surrounded by boxes of things I still hadn’t unpacked, taking a moment to enjoy the peace. It was my first full day in Lamburgh, and I had a list of things to do—essentials for the apartment, but also things that felt important to make this place feel like mine.

  I grabbed my jacket and headed out, the crisp mountain air greeting me like an old friend. The bakery was only a few blocks away, tucked into a cozy little corner of town. Mrs. Lily’s place smelled of freshly baked bread and pastries, the warm scent wafting out to meet me even before I opened the door.

  The bell above the door jingled as I stepped inside, and there she was behind the counter, kneading dough with the same rhythm I imagined she did every morning.

  “Morning, dear!” Mrs. Lily called, looking up with a smile. “Did you sleep well?”

  “Better than I expected,” I replied, looking around at the warm, inviting space. “I’m actually hoping you could point me in the right direction for a few things. I need a bed, a few rugs, sun catchers, and some lamps... basic things for the apartment. But I’m hoping to find them on the cheaper side. Any suggestions?”

  Mrs. Lily tapped her chin thoughtfully, wiping her hands on her apron. “Well, there’s a second-hand shop down by the main square—Thrift Finds, it’s called. You’ll find just about everything there, and they’re good about keeping things affordable. The rug selection’s pretty good too.”

  I nodded, making a mental note. “Thanks, that’s a big help.”

  She bustled around, pulling a tray of cinnamon rolls from the oven, the warmth from the pastries filling the room. “While you’re out, mind giving me a hand with something? I’ve got some supplies in the back that need bringing inside. I can’t leave the front unattended for long, and I’m getting a bit old for lugging boxes.”

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  I chuckled. “Of course! Let me just grab a couple of these, and I’ll be right there.”

  After a quick breakfast of warm pastries and coffee, we headed out back to the storage area. Mrs. Lily handed me a few heavy boxes, and we both carried them inside the bakery, placing them carefully behind the counter. As we worked, she shared stories of the town—how the bakery had been in her family for generations, how she’d learned to bake from her grandmother, and how Lamburgh was a place where everyone knew each other.

  “You’ve got a good eye for detail,” she said as we unloaded the last box. “I bet your apartment will come together beautifully. It’s a special thing, making a place your own.”

  I smiled, feeling a little warmth spread inside me. It had been so long since I had someone to talk to like this. I didn’t mind helping her; it felt good to be part of the town already.

  “Thanks, Mrs. Lily,” I said. “I’ll head out now to grab those things. See you soon!”

  As I stepped back out into the cool morning air, I felt a little more at home in Lamburgh. There was still so much to do, but this was a start. I was building a life here, and with people like Mrs. Lily around, it didn’t seem so daunting.

  After helping Mrs. Lily with the boxes, I made my way to the town square. The shops were starting to open, the streets filling with the sound of early morning chatter. I stopped by Thrift Finds first. The second-hand store was small but packed with everything you could need—from mismatched lamps to faded rugs, and even a few old sun catchers hanging from the ceiling like forgotten treasures.

  I quickly found a simple bed frame and a comfy mattress—nothing fancy, but just right for now. A soft, worn rug that felt cozy enough to sit on. And a lamp that would brighten up the corner of the living room. I didn’t have a lot of money to splurge, so this would have to do for now.

  Next, I swung by the school supply store, grabbing a few notebooks, pens, and a backpack that would serve me through my first semester at the University of Lamburgh. It was a small store, tucked between a cafe and a florist, but everything was organized, and I could feel the excitement building as I prepared for the classes ahead.

  By the time I finished, I had everything I needed—more than enough to get the apartment started and to feel a little more settled into my new life.

  Back at the apartment, I unpacked quickly, setting up the bed and placing the rug in front of the couch. The lamp found its place by the window, casting a soft, golden glow as the sun dipped lower in the sky. It wasn’t perfect yet, but it was mine.