I had a feeling I should trust my gut, but curiosity got the best of me. When my stepmother Susan called to say she had a “priceless” birthday gift for me, I was both intrigued and apprehensive. Susan and I had never been close, and her gifts in the past—like water bottles and socks—had been less than exciting. Still, I wanted to see what she had in mind.
Arriving at my dad’s house, I was met with the sight of Susan and my father struggling to carry what can only be described as the ugliest, smelliest couch I had ever seen. The fabric was stained and ripped, and it emitted a stench that was almost overwhelming. Susan beamed with pride as if she were giving me a luxury car.
Despite my disgust, I didn’t want to hurt my father’s feelings, so I agreed to take the couch home. I called my boyfriend, Derek, who arrived with his pickup truck to help with the move. As we transported the couch to my place, I was determined not to let Susan’s gift go to waste.
A stained yellow couch | Source: Midjourney
The couch smelled atrocious, so I set to work with a DIY deodorizing solution made of white vinegar, water, and lavender oil. While the vinegar smell was strong, it helped diminish the original odor. Next, I tackled the stains using a mixture of baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and dish soap. The stains began to fade, giving me hope.
The rips and tears were more challenging. I visited a local thrift store for fabric and patches. Using fabric glue and an iron-on mender, I patched up the holes. To make it look more intentional, I added decorative buttons and tufting. After hours of cleaning and repairing, I used a steam cleaner to give the couch a fresh, revitalized look.
A young woman sitting on a couch and looking through buttons | Source: Midjourney
Then Susan showed up at my door, furious. She had seen the post and demanded $2,500, claiming she deserved half the sale price because it was her couch. I explained that she had given me a piece of junk and that the value came from my hard work. She left in a huff, threatening repercussions.
I knew I’d have to face my dad about this, but I felt confident in standing my ground. Susan’s reaction seemed more about her ego than fairness. The couch’s transformation was a testament to my effort and creativity, and the profit was a result of that work.