A few weeks ago, I decided to spruce up my garage, turning it into a cozy space for friends or family to crash. All I needed was a couch—something sturdy, functional, and, ideally, dirt cheap. That’s how I ended up at a garage sale on a quiet Saturday morning.

The couch immediately caught my eye. Its floral upholstery was worn, its wooden legs scuffed, and it carried a faint scent of lavender. Somehow, it felt perfect.

“You’ve got a good eye,” said Kristen, the woman running the sale. She looked tired but kind. “This belonged to my mom. She adored it. I don’t know where she got it, but it’s been in our family for decades.”“I like the character,” I replied, running my hand over the fabric. “How much are you asking?”“Twenty bucks,” she said quickly. “We’re clearing out her house. She passed away six months ago.”