#wood floor cleaners

[floorcleaningdublin]

Wood Floor Cleaning

Wood Floor Cleaning

Wood floors bring timeless beauty, warmth, and elegance to any home or business space. Whether it’s classic hardwood or engineered wood, maintaining your wood floors’ natural shine and durability requires proper cleaning and care. With the right cleaning techniques, you can preserve their appeal for years. Here's why professional wood floor cleaning is essential and how it can protect your investment.

Why Choose Professional Wood Floor Cleaning?

Wood floors are an investment that adds value and sophistication to your space. However, they are susceptible to damage from dirt, spills, and improper cleaning methods. Professional wood floor cleaning services offer numerous benefits that go beyond basic maintenance:

Prolong the Lifespan of Your Wood Floors: Dust, dirt, and debris can accumulate on wood floors and, over time, act like abrasive sandpaper, causing scratches and dullness. Regular cleaning by professionals removes deep-seated grime and helps maintain the protective finish on your floors, ensuring they look their best for many years.

Restore Natural Shine: Over time, even the most well-maintained wood floors can lose their luster due to foot traffic, moisture, and everyday wear. Professional cleaners use specialized equipment and techniques to restore your wood floors' original shine, making them look as beautiful as the day they were installed.

Safe and Effective Products: Wood floors require gentle care and specific cleaning solutions to avoid damage. Professional cleaning services use pH-neutral, non-toxic products specifically formulated for wood surfaces. These products effectively clean without stripping away the finish or causing warping, ensuring your floors stay in top condition.

Deep Cleaning for Stubborn Dirt: Regular sweeping and mopping are essential for daily maintenance, but they don’t always reach the deep dirt and grime that can build up over time. Professional cleaning services can target those hard-to-reach areas, ensuring a thorough and deep clean that removes buildup and enhances the floor’s appearance.

Common Mistakes to Avoid with Wood Floor Cleaning

While daily care helps, improper cleaning techniques can do more harm than good to your wood floors. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Using Too Much Water: Wood is porous and absorbs moisture, which can cause warping, swelling, or mold growth over time. It’s important to avoid excessive water when mopping. Professional cleaning services understand the delicate balance and use minimal water combined with specialized cleaning solutions to safely clean wood floors.

Harsh Cleaning Products: Many household cleaners, especially those containing ammonia, bleach, or acidic ingredients, can damage the finish of wood floors. Professional cleaners use wood-friendly products that clean effectively without compromising the integrity of your floors.

Abrasive Cleaning Tools: Steel wool, rough scrubbing pads, or even vacuum cleaners with rotating brushes can scratch wood floors, leaving unsightly marks. Professionals use soft, microfiber mops and equipment specifically designed for wood floor care to avoid scratching or damaging the surface.

How to Maintain Wood Floors Between Professional Cleanings

While professional cleaning services are crucial for deep cleaning and restoration, regular upkeep is essential for maintaining wood floors. Here are a few tips to help keep your wood floors in excellent condition between professional cleanings:

Regular Sweeping and Dusting: Dust and debris can scratch the surface of wood floors if left unattended. Use a soft-bristle broom or a microfiber mop to sweep your floors regularly. For larger debris, vacuum with a hard floor setting, ensuring no rough brush rolls come in contact with the wood.

Use the Right Cleaning Products: Stick to wood-safe, pH-neutral cleaning solutions for routine mopping. Avoid products that leave behind a sticky residue or contain harsh chemicals that can damage the finish.

Wipe Up Spills Immediately: Spills can cause stains or damage if they penetrate the surface of the wood. Be sure to wipe up any liquid spills as soon as they happen using a soft, absorbent cloth. This helps to prevent water damage and staining.

Protect High-Traffic Areas: Consider placing rugs or mats in areas that experience high foot traffic, such as hallways or entryways. These protective measures help reduce wear and tear on the floor’s surface.

Furniture Pads: Heavy furniture can scratch and dent wood floors over time. Place felt pads or rubber protectors on the bottom of furniture legs to prevent damage when moving or rearranging pieces.

The Advantages of Hiring a Professional Wood Floor Cleaning Service

By investing in professional wood floor cleaning, you’ll not only extend the life of your floors but also ensure they remain a striking feature of your home or business. Professional cleaning brings out the natural beauty of the wood, removing dirt and grime that regular cleaning cannot tackle. With eco-friendly cleaning solutions and specialized equipment, professionals know exactly how to handle different types of wood floors—whether you have hardwood, engineered wood, or parquet.

Regular maintenance from a professional cleaning service will protect your wood floors from damage, minimize wear and tear, and enhance the overall aesthetic of your space. Don’t leave the care of your beautiful wood floors to chance—trust the experts to provide the deep, thorough cleaning that your floors need to stay stunning for years to come.

[catsconflictscopicsandchamomile]

nnnnope. not me

I mean I am definitely aging

I just somehow managed to age INTO the "giving a fuck about vacuums" stage and then AGE OUT OF IT AGAIN ~5 YEARS LATER

like I went to college for the first time, had a dorm, "omg stick vacuums are amazing this is great"

now after hating that college, dropping out, taking 3+ gap years, couch-surfing, losing everything I owned, starting fresh, getting into my dream school and moving across the country to attend it, having a GREAT time...

I literally cannot imagine why I need anything besides a broom, chamois cloths, windex and a swiffer.

[vipcarpetcleaninglondon]

Your basic and helpful tips to wood floor sanding and polishing

According to trained and skilled professionals who provide the service of wood floor polishing in London over the years, in the next move you should clean the floor thoroughly... Read more

[whitehallcarpetcleaners]

Hardwood Floors

Discover the timeless elegance of hardwood floors that exude warmth and sophistication. Our extensive collection offers a range of options to suit your style, providing not just a floor but a statement piece for your home or office!

[canadianloghomesupplyltd]

The Importance of Wood Preservation in Canada: Protecting Our Natural Resources

Wood is a valuable and renewable resource that has played a vital role in the development and sustenance of Canada's economy and culture for centuries. With its vast forests covering approximately 347 million hectares, Canada is known for its abundant wood resources. However, to ensure the sustainability of this vital industry and protect the environment, Wood Preservation in Canada is a key consideration.

[carpetcarenv]

Welcome to Carpet Care NV, your one-stop destination for comprehensive carpet care services. Our expert team specializes in a range of services designed to rejuvenate and prolong the life of your carpets. From Bleach Spot Repairs to Carpet Stretching, Carpet Repairs, and Carpet Cleaning, we offer a complete suite of solutions to address all your carpet-related concerns. Whether your carpet has suffered from accidental spills, needs professional cleaning, or requires meticulous repairs, our skilled technicians are here to restore your carpets to their former glory. At Carpet Care NV, we understand the value of a well-maintained carpet and strive to deliver exceptional results using cutting-edge techniques and top-quality materials. Contact us today to experience the difference in carpet care expertise. Your satisfaction is our priority.

Contact Information: Phone: +1 (775) 223-8377 Email: nonstop775@gmail.com Address: Reno-Sparks, & Surrounding Areas. Operating Hours: 9 AM – 5 PM Monday – Friday, Saturday by Appointment.

[go-touch]

Wood floor cleaner

Welcome to contact me.

We are a manufacturer.

[eliteservicesqualitycleaning]

How you can Protect your Floors This Summer?

How you can Protect your Floors This Summer?

Elite Services Quality Clean is a family-owned and operated cleaning service located in Pensacola, FL. We provide quality cleaning for your carpet, upholstery, tile, grout, oriental rugs, area rugs as well as drapery. Our family takes pride in serving your family.

Elite Services Quality Clean 117 Industrial Boulevard Pensacola, FL 32505 (850) 453-5544 https://elitequalityclean.com

[harringtonhardwoodfloors]

Revitalize Your Wood Floors: Professional Wood Floor Cleaner in Orlando Services

Revitalize your wood floors and maintain their beauty and longevity by investing in professional wood floor cleaner Orlando services. We are your trusted hardwood flooring experts at Harrington Hardwood Floors Orlando, providing comprehensive services from installation to refinishing and professional cleaning. With over three decades of experience, we have the knowledge and expertise to deliver outstanding results.

[ccallyear]

The Role of Professional Wood Floor Cleaners in Restoring Old or Damaged Floors

Overall, the role of professional wood floor cleaners in restoring old or damaged floors cannot be overstated. With their expertise and experience, they can help to breathe new life into even the most worn-out floors, leaving them looking beautiful and well-maintained for years to come. If you have old or damaged hardwood floors, don't hesitate to contact All Year Carpet Cleaning today to learn more about their services and how they can help you restore your floors to their former glory.

[specialized-cleaning]

Tips For Refinishing Hardwood Floors In Dubai

Refinishing hardwood floors is a great way to breathe new life into your flooring. Over time, hardwood floors can become scratched, worn, and dull. Refinishing the floors can restore their natural beauty and make them look new again.

However, the process can be challenging and time-consuming, so it's important to take the necessary steps to ensure that you get the best results. In this article, we'll provide some tips for refinishing hardwood floors and why it's better to hire a professional to do the work.

Image : Pexels.com

Prepare the Room: Before you begin polishing your hardwood floors, it's important to prepare the room properly. Remove all furniture, rugs, and other items from the room. Cover any vents, doors, or windows with plastic sheeting to prevent dust from spreading throughout the house. Also, make sure that there is good ventilation in the room by opening windows or using fans.

Sanding: Sanding is an essential step in refinishing hardwood floors. It's important to use a drum sander or an orbital sander to sand the floors. Start with a coarse grit sandpaper, and gradually work your way to a finer grit sandpaper. Sanding should be done in the direction of the wood grain to prevent scratches. Remember to vacuum up all the dust after each sanding session.

Staining: If you want to change the color of your hardwood floors, staining is the next step. Staining can be a bit tricky, so it's important to do a test patch first to see how the color will look on your floors. Apply the stain in a thin, even coat, and let it dry completely before applying the next coat. Use a clean cloth to wipe off any excess stain and make sure that the stain dries completely before moving on to the next step.

Sealing: The final step in refinishing hardwood floors is to seal the floors. This is important because it protects the wood from moisture, dirt, and other elements. There are different types of sealers available, including polyurethane, wax, and oil-based sealers. It's important to choose a sealer that is appropriate for your floors and apply it in thin, even coats.

While refinishing hardwood floors can be a DIY project, it's important to note that it can be a challenging and time-consuming task. It requires a lot of skill, experience, and specialized equipment. If you don't have the experience or the necessary equipment, it's better to hire a professional to do the work. A professional wood floor polishing service can ensure that your floors are refinished properly, without any mistakes or damage. They have the experience, expertise, and specialized equipment to get the job done quickly and efficiently.

Refinishing or Polishing hardwood floors can be a great way to restore the natural beauty of your floors and give your home a new look. However, it's important to prepare the room properly, sand the floors carefully, stain the floors evenly, and seal the floors to protect them. While it's possible to do this work yourself, it's better to hire a professional to do the work if you don't have the necessary skills, experience, or equipment. A professional floor cleaning service can ensure that your floors are refinished to perfection, and you can enjoy the benefits for years to come.

[ad-caelestia]

grimoire organization ideas 🔮

what is a grimoire?

a grimoire can be defined as a book of magical spells and invocations; sometimes used interchangeably with "book of shadows" but you can call it whatever you want.

what should i write my grimoire in / on?

a grimoire can be handwritten or typed, there is no wrong way to construct your grimoire. (for example, my grimoire is typed in a one note document but also stretched across many, many different notebooks and composition books)

what can i put in my grimoire?

about the author

favorites: color, magical tools, herbs, crystals

tarot birth card, astrology birth chart, personal beliefs, relationship with deities or other spiritual beings

basics 

intent

visualization

meditation

terminology

protection, cleansing, & banishing using various energies: shields & wards, circle casting / take down, protective amulets

enchanting items 

clockwise vs. counterclockwise 

other how-to’s, such as anointing items and dressing a candle

general correspondences

days of the week, lunar phases, colors, incense, essential oils, elements

correspondences based on intent 

protection, healing, cleansing, banishing, luck, wealth, love, emotions, mental clarity, psychic awareness, cursing, etc.

altar ideas

crystals

crystal grid designs, crystal correspondences & folklore, gem water / crystal elixir recipes, crystal care 

herbs, spices, plants, flowers, & trees

correspondences, edible vs. non-edible, botanicals with medicinal value, folklore, gardening 

divination

tarot, runes, pendulum, scrying, etc.

spreads

interpretations 

astrology

birth chart + traits, planetary correspondences, planetary hours, zodiac correspondences, moon / star / sun water

sigils & symbols

how to create, personal sigils, other symbols & talismans 

psychic abilities 

identification of personal abilities (clairvoyance, claircognizance, clairaudience, clairsentience, clairambience, etc.)

meditation techniques to strengthen abilities 

personal experiences

important dates

sabbats, wheel of the year, magical anniversaries, astronomical & astrological phenomena (meteor showers, planetary alignments, etc.)

recipes

food

potions (potions are edible and consumable liquids!!!)

beauty products: salt scrubs, sugar scrubs, lotions, lip balm

natural remedies: salves, ointments, balms, poultices 

cleaning products: floor washes, window cleaner, wood cleaner, etc.

powders

witchy crafts

glitter jars, witch ladders, wand-making, crystal jewelry, etc. 

spells & enchantments

sachets, spell jars / bottles, knot magic, candle spells, powder spells, curses, protective magic, etc.

magical goals

∘₊✧─────────────────────✧₊∘

good luck! ✨

© 2025 ad-caelestia

[neonsbian]

are carpets in apartments non negotiable or does every apartment building in my area have em just cuz

[vipcarpetcleaninglondon]

Tips To Make Your Task of Wood Floor Cleaning Easier

In the worst scenarios, wood floor cleaning london products even take a toll on the standard life of wooden floors. Read more

[whitehallcarpetcleaners]

Wood Flooring

Extending The Lifespan Of Your Hardwood Floors Through Regular Cleaning

We all cherish the warm glow of pristine hardwood floors under our feet. Yet, it’s no secret that daily life can leave its mark. We’ve observed how even specks of dirt can start to dim that cherished luster before their time. But fear not – with a dash of tender love, care, and regular upkeep, those wooden treasures beneath us can stand firm for many sunsets. Let’s dive into some straightforward strategies that will help extend the lifespan by regular hardwood floors cleaning.

Key Takeaways

Regularly removing dirt and debris with a dust mop or soft-bristled broom helps prevent scratches that can dull hardwood floors.

Using felt pads under furniture, cleaning spills immediately, and placing mats at entrances reduce the risk of damage to your wood flooring.

Clean hardwood floors with damp mops and specific hardwood floor cleaners to avoid water damage and harmful residues that can shorten their lifespan.

Consistent cleaning routines, including dusting, dry mopping, and periodic deeper cleans, preserve your floors’ luster while reducing allergen buildup.

Protecting hardwood floors from excess sunlight using curtains or UV films and maintaining indoor humidity levels prolongs floor integrity.

How Regular Cleaning Can Extend the Lifespan of Your Hardwood Floors

Regular cleaning and extending the lifespan of your hardwood floors removes dirt and debris and helps prevent damage that can lead to premature aging. Using the proper cleaning methods and products is essential for maintaining the beauty and integrity of your wood flooring.

Removing dirt and debris

We know how vital it is to tackle dirt and debris swiftly, as they act like sandpaper underfoot, scratching and dulling your beautiful hardwood floors. That’s why we jump into action with a dust mop or soft-bristled broom—it’s crucial for whisking away particles that could lead to scratches. For the more demanding tasks right cleaning solution, our vacuum cleaners are ready at hand to suck up any lingering dirt from high-traffic areas before it can do any harm.

Our team ensures that every speck of dust gets picked up regularly to maintain the pristine condition of your wood flooring. We take pride in preventing damage by keeping your floors clean without leaving behind residue buildup—a guard against premature aging and further wear and tear on those precious panels beneath our feet. Trust us at Whitehall Carpet Cleaners to protect and extend the life of your hardwood floors in Columbia, SC, through meticulous cleaning practices tailored just for you.

Preventing damage to your wood floors

Keeping those floors clean and pristine isn’t just about sweeping away the dirt; it’s crucial for preventing damage that can shorten their lifespan. Minor scratches and dents might not seem like a big deal, but they pave the way for more severe wear and tear over time.

We take proactive steps by using furniture legs and felt pads under furniture legs to avoid scrapes and gouges when moving pieces around. Also, we encourage placing floor mats at every entrance to catch grit from shoes that might otherwise scratch hardwood surfaces.

Heavy furniture can leave deep imprints on your beautiful flooring if you’re not careful. That’s why we recommend using furniture sliders – a small addition to furniture that makes a huge difference in keeping your hardwood pristine.

Another tip is to clean spills immediately; lingering moisture is no friend to wood floors and can cause irreversible damage if left unchecked. By paying attention to these details, we help ensure your wood floors stay as immaculate as the day they were installed—without needing frequent, costly repairs or early replacement.

Proper hardwood floor cleaning methods

Transitioning from the importance of preventing damage to scratch hardwood floors, let’s focus on the suitable cleaning methods that are key to maintaining your hardwood floors. Using a soft-bristled broom or a vacuum with a hardwood floor attachment is ideal for picking up dirt that could scratch your flooring. When mopping, choose a damp mop rather than soaking wet to avoid excess water seeping into and harming the wood.

For deeper cleans, we recommend using cleaners specifically designed for hardwood floors—avoid all-purpose cleaners as they can be too harsh. Spritz on a small amount of hardwood floor cleaner and wipe with a microfiber cloth to capture any remaining grime without leaving harmful residues.

These steps contribute to keeping your floors looking fresh and play an essential role in extending their lifespan through proper maintenance and care. Remember always to check the manufacturer’s recommendations since following these guidelines will help you use safe and effective products for your specific type of flooring.

Tips for Maintaining and Extending the Lifespan of Your Hardwood Floor

To maintain and extend the lifespan of your hardwood floors, it’s essential to avoid excess water, stick to a regular cleaning routine, and guard against sunlight and humidity changes. These simple tips can help preserve the beauty and durability of your hardwood floors for years to come.

Avoiding water

To maintain the longevity of your hardwood floors, it is crucial to avoid excessive water. Overexposure to water can damage and warp the wood, compromising its integrity over time. Instead, focus on using minimal moisture when cleaning hardwood floors. This approach will help prevent potential issues such as swelling or discoloration caused by prolonged contact with water.

One effective way to minimize water exposure is using a damp mop rather than soaking the entire tile flooring with water. This method allows for gentle yet thorough cleaning without saturating the wood. Avoiding excessive water usage can protect your hardwood floors from unnecessary harm and significantly extend their lifespan.

Stick to a regular cleaning routine

Sticking to a regular cleaning routine is essential to maintain the longevity of your hardwood floors. A consistent dust mopping or vacuuming schedule can prevent dirt and debris from accumulating on the surface. This simple yet effective practice helps minimize scratches and damage caused by foot traffic, sharp edges, rugs, or high heels – preserving the pristine look of your hardwood floors.

Furthermore, incorporating periodic dry mopping into your regular cleaning routine aids in maintaining the natural shine and luster of your hardwood floors. By consistently removing dust and allergens from the surface, you’re not only prolonging the life expectancy of your wood flooring but also contributing to a cleaner indoor environment for your family.

Guard against sunlight and humidity changes

To protect your hardwood floors, it’s crucial to guard against sunlight and humidity changes. Sunlight can cause discoloration and fading of the wood, so using curtains or UV-protective window films can help minimize this effect.

Additionally, maintaining a consistent indoor humidity level between 35% and 55% with a humidifier or dehumidifier can prevent the floorboards from warping, cracking, and shrinking due to excessive moisture. These measures allow you to preserve your hardwood floors’ natural beauty and structural integrity for years.

Contact Whitehall Carpet Cleaning for all your floor, rug, and upholstery cleaning, disaster restoration, tile & grout cleaning, and disinfection services today!

[lupinqs]

CHAPTER FIVE ━━ I Get You

❀ ━ pairing: paige bueckers x oc (jo jacobson)

❀ ━ word count: 4.9K

❀ ━ warnings: mentions of injury, angst

❀ ━ links: my masterlist, nobody gets me masterlist

❀ ━ author’s note: these hoes are gay

PAIGE SITS on the sidelines, her crutches propped up against the wall, the weight of her brace a constant reminder. The gym smells like it always does—sweat, pine-scented floor cleaner, and faintly of old rubber. It’s familiar, almost comforting, but today it just feels hollow. Every bounce of the ball, every squeak of sneakers against polished wood, every shout of her teammates feels like a sharp stab. She should be out there. She should be running those plays, setting up the assists, pushing the pace, and taking those impossible shots. Instead, she’s stuck here, immobile and useless.

Her hands grip the edge of the chair, the cool metal biting into her palms as she leans forward to watch the scrimmage. Jo’s running point, calling out a play with that calm, sure voice Paige has come to admire. Jo makes it look easy, like she’s been apart of this team forever, and the rest of the girls respond to her without hesitation. It’s the kind of command Paige used to have, the kind she oddly always thought no one could replicate.

But between Jo and Nika, they’re doing fine without her.

And she thinks that’s the hardest part.

Every pass, every cut, every layup feels like a slap to Paige’s pride. The team doesn’t crumble without her; they adapt. Jo steps into the role Paige left vacant, and Paige can’t even dislike her for it because she’s so damn good at it. She runs the offense and with precision, directing the team perfectly. And, of course, it’s not like Paige wants her team to fail without her. It’s just a reminder of what she can’t do anymore—or, at least not for a long time.

Her stomach twists as she watches the scrimmage play out. She’s never been good at sitting still, and now, that’s all she can do. Sit and watch. She used to be the one lifting everyone’s spirits, the one pushing them through tough practices. Now she’s just another body on the sidelines, invisible and irrelevant. She feels like a ghost of herself, haunting the gym where she uses to thrive.

The ache in her knee is dull but persistent, a constant undercurrent to her frustration. The brace is still and cumbersome, and the crutches are a pain in the ass to deal with. Even getting to this chair had felt like a marathon. She hates every second of this—the injury, the recovery, the helplessness. It’s not just the physical pain; it’s the way it chips away at her identity. She doesn’t know who she is without basketball.

She glances down at the clipboard balanced on her lap, a half-hearted attempt to stay engaged. Geno had given it to her, suggesting she could help track plays and stats during practice, but it feels like a consolation prize. Like something he made up to keep her busy, to make her feel less like dead weight. The truth is, she doesn’t know what the hell her role is anymore. She doesn’t know how to help when she can’t be on the court.

Paige forced herself to focus back on the scrimmage, her eyes narrowing as Jo drives toward the basket. Jo’s quick, her movements sharp and meaningful, and instead of finishing with the layup, she does a no-look, dishing it out to Azzi on the perimeter, who buries a three. Paige catches Jo’s eyes as she jogs back up the court, and Jo flashes her that smile—warm, reassuring, effortless. It’s the kind of smile that should make Paige feel better, but—for once—it doesn’t.

Paige doesn’t have the energy to smile back. She knows Jo means well, knows she’s trying to be supportive, but it just makes Paige feel worse. She’s not in the mood for reassurance. She doesn’t want to be told it’s going to be okay, because it doesn’t feel like it ever will be.

Jo looks away and gets back into the flow of the game, and Paige’s gaze drops to the clipboard again. She scribbles something down, not because it matters, but because she needs something to do with her hands. She feels the tears prick at the corners of her eyes, and she bites the inside of her cheek hard enough to hurt.

The gym fades into background noise as her mind races. She thinks about the months ahead, the endless rehab sessions, the games she’ll have to watch from the bench. She thinks about how everyone else will move on, how the media will forget her name, how the team will find rhythm without her. She wonders if she’ll ever get that rhythm back, if she’ll ever feel like herself again.

She thinks she will. She has enough trust in God to hope he’ll at least give her that. But, here, right now, that feels so far ahead that it’s almost just wishful at this point.

Paige closes her eyes, breathing deeply. She can’t do this here, not in front of everyone. She pushes herself up from the chair, fumbling for her crutches. The awkward motion makes her wince, but she swallows the ache and glances at Geno.

“Gotta go to the bathroom,” she says, her voice too clipped to be convincing.

Geno narrows his eyes slightly, the way he always does when he’s trying to figure someone out. He nods once, and Paige feels the weight of his gaze as she turns away. She knows he can see right through her excuse, but he doesn’t call her out on it. She doesn’t need another lecture about staying engaged.

The moment she’s out of the gym, the air feels different—quieter, cooler, easier to breathe. The hallway stretches ahead of her, lined with murals of UConn legends. Paige’s crutches thud against the floor as she hobbles forward, her eyes skimming over the faces and names that loom on the walls. Maya Moore. Breanna Stewart. Diana Tayrasi. Sue Bird.

Her chest tightens.

She’s supposed to be part of this legacy. She’s supposed to be one of the names people remember, one of the faces immortalized in paint and pride. But now? Now she’s a girl with a busted knee and a brace that feels like a goddamn prison. The thought makes her stomach twist with equal parts anxiety and frustration, a bitter cocktail she’s been choking down since the surgery.

As she continues down the hall, trying to push those thoughts out of her head, she nearly collides with someone rounding the corner.

“Paige!”

Celeste Sinclair’s voice is bright and warm, and Paige immediately regrets leaving the gym. The grin that spreads across the redhead’s face feels too familiar, too personal, like an inside joke Paige isn’t in on.

“Hey,” Paige mutters, gripping the crutches tighter.

She hasn’t seen Celeste since before her ACL tear, and that’s probably for the best. The girls Paige hooks up with always have a way of getting too attached. Paige doesn’t blame them, not really. She knows she’s charming, knows how to make people feel like they’re the only one in the world when they’re with her. But that’s all it’s ever been: a moment.

Celeste is nice. Pretty. Accomplished. Good in bed. But Paige has never wanted anything more, never even given it a thought. Relationships aren’t for her. They never have been. Basketball has always been her first and only love, the one thing she’s willing to give herself to completely. And now that’s gone—at least for now. The last thing she needs is another reminder of how much she’s failed.

“I haven’t seen you since…” Celeste trails off, gesturing vaguely toward Paige’s knee, her voice tinged with sympathy. “How’re you holding up?”

Paige forces herself to smile, though it feels more like a grimace. “I’m good. Just takin’ it one day at a time.”

Celeste beams at her like she’s just said something profound, and Paige wants to die a little inside.

“I’m glad to hear that,” Celeste replies. “I wasn’t sure—did you get my card? I gave it to Jo to pass along before your surgery. Um, but you haven’t really said anything.”

Oh, right. The card. The one Paige didn’t even read. The one that’s now resting in a hospital trash can. Paige rubs a hand over her face, buying time to piece together an answer. “Yeah—uh, yeah, I got it. Sorry I said nothin’. Thanks, though.”

Celeste’s smile widens, and her eyes soften in that way that makes Paige want to shuffle awkwardly away. Celeste always looks at her like that, like there’s something more between them, something Paige knows she’ll never be able to—or want—to give.

“You’re welcome,” Celeste says gently. “I just wanted you to know I was thinking about you.”

Paige more, hoping that’s the end of it, but of course, it’s not.

“Hey,” Celeste starts, her tone shifting to something more professional, “any chance you’d be up for, like, a TikTok? Just something to show the fans you’re healing. They’d love to see you.”

It’s times like these that Paige understands why Jo thought it was so funny she was fucking their media girl. Paige stares at Celeste for a long second, feeling a spark of irritation flare in her chest, because, seriously, why would she even ask that? “No, Celeste. I don’t wanna do any media.”

The words come out sharper than she intends, but she doesn’t care enough to soften them. She adjusts her grip on her crutches, already turning to leave.

“Right,” Celeste says quickly, falling into step beside her. “I get that. Totally. Just… heal up, okay? Call or text, if you want to. You know where to find me.”

Paige doesn’t respond, just gives her a brief nod before hobbling down the hall. Her pace is slow, each step a frustrating reminder of how far she is from where she wants to be. Celeste finally stops following, and Paige exhales in relief as she rounds another corner, desperate for some space, some air, anything that doesn’t feel like pressure or pity.

AFTER PRACTICE, Jo walks into the locker room with the rest of the team, the chatter and laughter bouncing off the walls as everyone unwinds from the session. She’s still buzzing with the energy of the scrimmage (and the sprints they were forced to do after because of one-too-many missed layups), but as she rounds the corner to the lockers, she notices a familiar figure slouched on the bench.

Paige had disappeared halfway through practice, and though Geno didn’t make a big deal out of it, Jo had been aware of her absence like a missing puzzle piece. Now here she is, sitting in front of their side-by-side lockers, her crutches leaning against the bench and her gaze a little unfocused. Her brace sticks out awkwardly from her bent leg, and Jo feels a pant of sympathy tighten her chest.

“Hey,” Jo says as she tosses her bag in the cubby of her locker. She sits down beside Paige, close enough to make her presence known but not enough to crowd her. “You okay?”

Paige shrugs, her lips pulling into a vague shape that might be a smile but doesn’t come close. “Yeah. ‘M fine.”

Jo doesn’t buy it. It’s not that Paige is necessarily a bad liar; she’s just too proud, too stubborn to admit when she’s not. Jo watches her for a beat, the slump of her shoulders, the way her fingers fight with the hem of her T-shirt. She knows this posture, this energy. It’s the same one she’s seen in teammates who’ve been sidelined by injures, the same one she’s seen in herself on the bad days.

But Jo doesn’t push. She knows how that can feel—suffocating, like someone prying open a door you’re not ready to unlock. Instead, she plants her hands on the bench and leans back a little, changing the subject.

“Did you see Lou get me with that spin move earlier?” Jo asks, keeping her tone light. “Literally cooked me.”

Paige lets out a small, breathy laugh, almost imperceptible, but Jo catches it. It’s the first sign of life she’s seen in her all day.

“Didn’t even look like she was trying,” Paige mutters, her voice flat but laced with the ghost of a smirk.

“Right?” Jo exclaims, throwing up her hands in mock indignation. “It’s like, leave some dignity for the rest of us, y’know?”

She continues on, telling some half-dramatic story of when Nika picked her pocket after Paige left, weaving in jokes at her own expanse. She avoids anything too basketball-heavy, keeping the focus on the absurdity of her own experiences instead of the game itself. It’s a careful balance—Jo knows that bringing up basketball might sting, but it’s also a thread that ties them together, a shared language Paige can’t—and Jo knows she doesn’t want to—escape from.

Paige hums in response now and then, her focus flickering like a weak signal. Jo can tell she’s only half-listening, her mind somewhere else entirely. Still, she keeps going, hoping that her presence, if nothing else, might pull Paige out of her head a little.

After a while, as everyone’s getting up to go, Jo shifts the conversation again, tilting her head toward Paige. “Y’know, we could hang out later—maybe watch a movie or something?”

Paige looks at her, and for a split second, Jo thinks she might say no outright. Instead, Paige forces a smile that doesn’t quite reach her eyes and says, “Maybe.”

The hesitation is there, sharp and obvious, but Jo doesn’t call it out. She knows better than to push. She lets the word hang in the air for a moment before nodding, as if “maybe” is a real plan.

“Okay,” Jo says, keeping her tone casual.

Paige turns back to her hands, her fingers tracing invisible patterns on the bench. Jo watches her out of the corner of her eye, thinking of something that might reach her. She’s learned that Paige is pretty independent, something that stems from her childhood if Jo had to guess, and Jo respects that. She does. But there’s a difference between being independent and shutting everyone out, and Jo worries that Paige is tipping too far into the latter.

She tries to think of something—anything—that might help. She doesn’t need to cheer Paige up, necessarily. She’s learned by now that joy isn’t always the right goal. What Paige needs isn’t sunshine and rainbows (though Jo would probably be better at giving her that). What she needs is something steadier, quieter. A reminder that she’s not alone, even if she feels like she is.

She’ll figure something out.

PAIGE LIES sprawled across her bed, the room dimly lit by the soft glow of the string lights draped along the wall. Her eyes are fixed on her crutches, propped up against the wall next to her like a taunt she can’t escape. They stand there, silent and unmoving, mocking her with their stillness while the rest of the world seems to keep spinning without her.

Today has been one of the most frustrating days she’s had since the injury. The hours feel heavier, pressing against her chest, leaving no room to breathe. Practice was a disaster, even though she wasn’t really in it. She hates watching from the sidelines, hates feeling so useless. She’d escaped halfway through, hobbling out of the gym under the guise of needing air, only to run into Celeste, of all people. That interaction still churns in her stomach—awkward and uncomfortable, like a bruise pressed too hard.

Jo had asked her earlier if she wanted to hang out tonight. Just a movie, something simple. Paige had said “maybe” at the time. But an hour or so ago, when Jo knocked softly on her door, her voice east and unassuming as she asked if Paige wanted to make good on the plan, Paige had thrown out some half-baked excuse about being tired.

Jo didn’t push, of course. She never does. She just nodded, smiled a little, and closed the door, before Paige heard her leave the apartment—probably to go upstairs and hangout with their teammates. Her stomach twisted with guilt as she listened because Jo is Jo—kind and patient and the only person who seems to understand that Paige doesn’t want to talk about any of this. She doesn’t want to be asked how she’s doing, doesn’t want to be told it’ll get better, doesn’t want to be smothered in sympathy that feels more like pity.

But Jo’s absence now feels louder than her presence earlier. Paige stares at the ceiling, trying to will herself into a calmer state, trying to shake off the weight of the day, the week, the last month. It doesn’t work.

She sits up abruptly, shoving the blankets off her legs and swinging them over the side of the bed. Her knee twinges at the movement, the brace digging into her skin, and she lets out a frustrated huff. Her eyes land on the crutches again, the sharp lines of their edges casting long shadows in the dim light. She feels a bubbling in her chest—an anger she doesn’t know how to direct, a helplessness she doesn’t know how to contain.

Before she even realizes what she’s doing, Paige grabs one of the crutches from beside the bed and hurls it across the room. It crashes against the wall with a dull thud, sliding to the floor in a defeated heap. The sound echoes in the silence, and for a moment, she just stares at the aftermath, her chest heaving.

And then the tears come.

It’s not the first time she’s cried since the injury, but it feels different tonight—uglier, rawer, like the dam has finally burst. She curls in on herself, her hands tangling in her hair as sobs wrack her body. She doesn’t bother trying to quiet them. There’s no one here to hear her, no one to ask if she’s okay, no one to offer meaningless reassurances she doesn’t want to hear.

Except, there is.

A soft, hesitant knock at Paige’s bedroom door jolts her out of her spiraling thoughts. She freezes, her hands instinctively wiping at her face, smearing away the tears that have already begun to dry against her skin. Confusion threads through her—she thought Jo had left. She hadn’t even heard her come back.

The door creaks open, and there Jo is, standing in the sun light spilling from the hallway. Her brows are furrowed, her mouth pulled into a concerned line. She takes a step inside, her eyes scanning the room. Paige knows what she sees—the red puffiness of her face, the dampness of her cheeks, and the crutch lying discarded by the wall like a casualty of war.

“Sorry,” Paige blurts out, her voice cracking as the word tumbles out in a rush. She feels a fresh wave of shame rise up. She’s been awful to Jo, she knows that. First brushing her off earlier, and now this—disturbing her peace with her mess, her ability to just hold it together for once.

Jo doesn’t say anything for a moment, just stands there, her eyes roving over Paige’s face, taking in every detail. Paige hates how exposed she feels, like Jo can see right through the flimsy walls she’s been trying to keep up all day. Finally, Jo sighs and steps fully into the room, closing the door behind her with a soft click.

“Paige,” Jo says gently, “you don’t have to be sorry.”

There’s something in Jo’s voice that makes Paige want to believe her. Something so simple, yet so genuine, that it threatens to unravel the last bit of control she has. She doesn’t respond, just watches as Jo walks closer. She sets something—a bag, Paige thinks—on the floor next to the bed, but Paige doesn’t even bother to look at it. Jo sits down on the edge of the mattress, close enough that Paige can smell the faint traces of strawberry body wash on her skin. She hates that it makes her stomach do that weird fluttery thing, hates that it makes her feel anything at all.

“I’m just—” Jo pauses, and Paige looks up at her. Jo’s eyes are soft but unwavering, and the way she’s looking at Paige, like she’s trying to will her to understand something without saying it outright, makes her heart squeeze. “I’m really worried about you, P.”

The flutter in Paige’s stomach turns into something heavier, like a weight pressing down on her stomach. Jo’s worried about her. Paige knows that other people have probably been worried about her too—her parents, her teammates, her coaches—but it feels different coming from Jo. It feels too much. She shifts uncomfortably, trying to ignore the way Jo’s gaze feels like it’s peeling back all her layers.

“I’m fine,” Paige says automatically. The word sound hollow even to her, like a tired script she’s forced herself to memorize.

Jo shakes her head, her expressing softening even more. “No, you’re not. And it’s okay not to be.”

Paige doesn’t say anything. She doesn’t know what to say, doesn’t know how to put into words what’s been clawing at her chest since the injury.

“But you’re shutting everyone out,” Jo continues, her voice steady but not accusatory. “It’s like you won’t even look at me some days, let alone talk to me. And I get it. I do. But I just—I want you to know that I’m here. That you can talk to me, because I’ve been there.”

Paige stares at her, the words catching her slightly off guard. I’m here. It’s such a simple thing to say, but the way Jo says it, low and earnest, makes something in Paige’s chest twist. She doesn’t know what to do with that—doesn’t know how to accept it without feeling like she’s admitting defeat.

“Azzi already tried,” Paige says finally, sounding shaky. “She tore her ACL in high school, and she tried to talk to me about it. But it’s just—she still didn’t seem to get it. No one does—I don’t know—” Her voice cracks on the last few words, and she feels the tears welling up again, hot and relentless.

Jo studies her for a long moment, her head tilting slightly. “You think nobody gets you?” she asks softly.

Paige nods, the movement slow and heavy, her throat too tight to speak.

Jo nods too, as if she’s been expecting that. “It’s not true,” she says simply. “I get you. I do.”

Paige shakes her head, a weak protest already forking. “Jo—”

“No, really,” Jo interrupts, leaning forward slightly. “You feel like everyone expects you to be perfect, all the time. You feel like if you’re not the Paige Bueckers everyone knows—the player, the leader, the star—that you’re letting everyone down. Your team, your coaches, your fans, your family—yourself. You feel like you don’t even know who you are without basketball, because it’s been your whole life for as long as you can remember. And now that it’s been taken away from you, you don’t know how to exist. You feel lost, like a piece of you is missing, and you’re scared—terrified, actually—that you’ll never get it back And you’re so used to dealing with everything on your own, to putting on a brave face and pretending you’re fine, that the thought of letting anyone in feels basically impossible. Like if you let even one crack show, then the whole thing will just come crashing down.”

The words hit Paige like a tidal wave. Every sentence is a punch to the gut, not because it hurts, but because it’s true. Jo’s right—about all of it. About the fear, the pressure, the suffocating wright of it all. And the way Jo says it, calm and matter-of-fact, makes it even harder to ignore.

“Was I right?” Jo asks softly, her eyes searching Paige’s face.

Paige swallows hard, her chest tight as she stares at Jo. There’s something about the way Jo’s looking at her—steady and unwavering, like she’ll wait forever if she has to—that makes Paige feel like the room is tilting. She wants to run from it, but she also doesn’t want Jo to stop.

Finally, she nods, her voice barely a whisper. “Yeah,” she says, her throat dry. “You were.”

Paige doesn’t know how to process the way Jo’s smile hits her. It’s small, soft, and knowing, but it wraps around Paige like a hug. Jo leans a little closer, her voice warm and teasing when she says, “See? I told you.”

There’s something about those words, about the certainty in Jo’s tone. She doesn’t want to cry anymore—God, she doesn’t want to—but something about Jo makes her feel like it would be okay if she did.

Jo’s voice interrupts her thoughts. “Scoot over.”

Paige blinks at her, furrowing her brows. “What?”

Jo doesn’t elaborate, just gestures for Paige to move. Paige hesitates, unsure of where this is going, but she shuffled over, making room on the bed. Jo grabs the bag she set down earlier and pulls herself up onto the bed. Paige watches as Jo leans back, settling against the wall, her shoulder brushing Paige’s, her other side cuddling into Sunny, the stuffed animal she gave Paige.

“What’s that?” the blonde asks, gesturing toward the bag with a slight sniffle. Her voice is still shaky from earlier, and she hates how small she sounds.

Jo pulls the bag into her lap, her voice lighter now, almost back to her usual bright, less-serious self. “Oh, this?” She opens it and pulls out a little tub of ice cream. “I went out and got us ice cream. I got your disgusting mint chip.”

Paige blinks, a smile tugging at the corner of her mouth despite herself. That’s where Jo had gone, even after she’d bailed on their plans. Paige takes the ice cream Jo offers, along with a spoon, feeling a warmth spread through her chest that has nothing to do with the food.

Jo retrieves her own tub—still cotton candy, still gross—and balances it in her lap.

They sit in silence for a moment, and Paige lets herself watch Jo as she digs into her ice cream. There’s something so effortless about her, the way she fits into Paige’s space like she belongs here.

Jo suddenly looks around, frowning a little as if searching for something. “Where’s your—?” she starts but doesn’t finish before her eyes lick on something and she leans over Paige, reaching toward the nightstand.

It happens so quickly that all Paige can do is freeze. Jo’s arm brushes her side, her hair falls near Paige’s face, and Paige can smell her shampoo, something sweet and faintly strawberry. Paige’s heart starts racing, and she doesn’t understand why.

Jo grabs the TV remote and sits back, settling into her spot again like nothing happened. Paige feels ridiculous for how flustered she is, but she can’t help it.

Jo turns on the TV, flipping through the streaming apps before looking over at Paige. “You ready to finally start The Vampire Diaries?”

The blonde groans, leaning her head back against the wall. “No, I don’t wanna watch that.”

Jo’s been pestering her about this show for what feels like forever, insisting Paige would love it if she just gave it a chance. Paige, naturally, has resisted every time.

The younger girl shrugs, clearly unfazed. “Well, I don’t care. You’re already a little too depressed to keep watching Grey’s, sorry. It’s more fun to watch vampires eat people. Besides, the Salvatores are hot.”

Paige deadpans, “I’m gay.”

Jo doesn’t miss a beat. “Okay, Nina Dobrev’s hot.”

And, yeah, Paige supposes she can’t argue with that. She sighs, defeated, and waves a hand toward the TV. “Fine. Put it on.”

Jo grins like she’s won a battle, which she kind of has, and presses play. Paige doesn’t know what to expect, but she lets herself settle in as the first episode begins. Part of her wonders why this show is Jo’s favorite. Because, really, what is it about brooding vampires and dumbass love triangles that she loves so much? Maybe, Paige thinks, if she watches closely, she’ll learn something about Jo.

They eat their ice cream in comfortable silence as the show plays, the room filled with the sounds of dramatic dialogue and overly intense music.

After a while, Paige’s appetite fades. She sets her ice cream tub on the nightstand, not in grow her arm brushes Jo’s when she moves. Her heart stutters again, and she tries to ignore it, sliding back into her spot.

Without really thinking, she leans her head on Jo’s shoulder. It’s a small gesture, but it feels huge for some reason. Paige tells herself it’s just because she’s tired, that she needs comfort after everything that’s happened today. But the way her heart races says otherwise.

“Thanks, Joey,” she murmurs quietly.

Jo shifts slightly, and then Paige feels it—the warmth of Jo’s hand as it settles over her own. Paige’s breath catches, her stomach doing something weird and unfamiliar.

“You don’t have to thank me,” Jo says softly, certain.

But Paige does want to thank her, even if she doesn’t know how to put it into words. She doesn’t know how to explain what this means—Jo showing up, staying, not letting her spiral alone. All she knows is that her hand seems to fit perfectly under Jo’s slightly smaller one, and she doesn’t want to move.

The episode plays on, but Paige isn’t really watching anymore. She’s too focused on the warmth of Jo’s shoulder against her cheek, the quiet rise and fall of her breathing, the way her hand hasn’t moved from Paige’s. And in the back of her mind, Paige knows there’s something here—something bigger than she’s ready to admit.