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Single Bed

Instructions for the Divorced Dad Model

By Jesse LeePublished 16 days ago Updated 16 days ago 3 min read
A single bed in an empty room

ASSEMBLY MANUAL

ITEM: BEDFRAME, SINGLE

MODEL: ENSAM-LEFTOVER

INTENDED USE: One adult occupant

OPTIONAL CAPACITY: Two children, weekends

STATUS: Unconfirmed

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Read all instructions before beginning assembly.

Failure to follow instructions may result in instability, uneven load distribution, or the quiet understanding that some things were never going to hold the way you planned.

TOOLS REQUIRED

• Allen key (included)

• Flathead screwdriver (not included)

• Measuring tape

• Phone (fully charged)

• Willingness to proceed without confirmation

PARTS LIST

Before assembly, verify that all parts are present.

• 2 side rails

• 1 headboard

• 1 footboard

• 5 support slats

• 18 screws

• 2 screws labeled “extra”

• 1 screw that does not match anything

All parts should be accounted for.

If something is missing, retrace your steps.

If nothing is missing, note the unfamiliar feeling. There will be a lot of those.

STEP 1: PREPARE THE ROOM

Choose a room that could reasonably be called a bedroom even when not in use.

Remove boxes labeled: kid’s room.

Remove folded clothes that belong to no one currently sleeping here.

Leave the nightstand. It was already assembled. Adding optimistic device chargers optional.

Vacuum the floor thoroughly.

Vacuum longer than necessary.

Position the bedframe parallel to the wall, leaving space on both sides.

This allows for flexibility.

Flexibility is important.

STEP 2: ATTACH SIDE RAILS TO HEADBOARD

Align the left rail with the headboard.

Insert screws loosely.

Do not tighten yet.

Repeat for the right rail.

At this stage, the structure will feel unstable.

This is should feel normal to you.

Check alignment twice.

Correct mistakes now. They are easier to fix early. Mistakes ignored will grow into bigger issues.

STEP 3: ATTACH FOOTBOARD

Lift the footboard into place.

This step is easier with two people.

Proceed alone.

Brace the footboard with your knee while inserting screws.

Apply pressure evenly.

Tighten until snug.

Stop before stripping the thread.

Some damage cannot be undone.

STEP 4: INSTALL CENTER SUPPORT

Place the center support beam between headboard and footboard.

This piece prevents collapse under weight.

Ensure it is properly seated.

You may wonder why this piece is necessary for a bed intended for one person.

Do not remove it. Try to stay hopeful.

STEP 5: ADD SLATS

Lay slats evenly across the frame.

Space them according to the diagram.

Consistency matters.

Press down on each slat to ensure contact.

Notice how quiet the room is during this step.

This is expected.

STEP 6: TIGHTEN ALL FASTENERS

Return to each screw.

Tighten firmly then give up control.

One screw may spin without catching.

This happens.

Don’t question every choice. Leave it.

The structure will still stand.

STEP 7: PLACE MATTRESS

Lift mattress onto frame.

Center it carefully.

Smooth the sheets.

Use the set with the neutral pattern.

Avoid anything too playful.

You were likely never the aesthetics person.

Fold the blanket at the foot of the bed.

Refold it once.

Stay hopeful.

OPTIONAL STEP: PREPARE FOR VISITORS

Place a second pillow on the bed.

Then remove it.

Consider adding a bunk bed instead.

Do not.

Place a folded hoodie on the chair.

Leave it there.

Keep the door open.

FINAL CHECK

Apply downward pressure to the bedframe.

It should not wobble.

Sit briefly. Reflect.

Stand back up.

The bed is now ready for use.

Find pride and satisfaction in these small wins.

CARE INSTRUCTIONS

• Tighten bolts every six months.

• Wash sheets weekly. Even when not in regular daily use.

• Do not rearrange the room too often. You will make yourself crazy.

If the bed is unused for extended periods, dust may accumulate.

Dust does not indicate failure.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Bed creaks:

Check fasteners.

Bed feels larger than the room:

This is not an assembly issue.

Room feels unfinished:

Additional items may be added later.

Later is undefined.

Leave room for more hope.

IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTICE

This furniture has been tested for structural integrity.

It has not been tested against:

* Revised narratives

* Weaponizing children

* Gaslighting

* Parentification

* Bipolar personality disorders

* Narcissistic abuse

No adjustment kit is available. If structural issues persist seek advice from a therapist or spiritual advisor.

END OF ASSEMBLY

The bed frame is complete.

It will hold weight.

It will hold time.

It will not hold arguments that happened elsewhere.

Turn off the light.

Leave the door unlocked.

Assembly is finished.

This new reality is just beginning.

familyPsychologicalStream of Consciousness

About the Creator

Jesse Lee

Poems and essays about faith, failure, love, and whatever’s still twitching after the dust settles. Dark humor, emotional shrapnel, occasional clarity, always painfully honest.

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Comments (1)

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  • Tanya Lei15 days ago

    These instructions are deeply evocative, amazing piece of writing, Jesse

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