Page 167 of Ruthless Court

Evan: Tyler says we need a full-court press.

Me: Tyler thinks every problem can be solved by running faster.

Evan: He says that is not a no.

I add basic press break to Monday’s practice plan and send the parents an updated schedule.

Two practices.

Saturday game.

Possible tournament next month if Doug submits the paperwork before the deadline instead of debating uniform colors in the group chat.

By ten thirty, every assignment due within the next week is finished.

The tickets still exist.

I wash my bedding.

Then I wash it again because Lila says the first time doesn’t count if I forgot the fabric softener.

I borrow Noor’s handheld steamer and clean the curtains, the desk chair, and one suspicious patch of carpet beside the radiator.

“Are you nesting?” Lila asks from her bed.

“I’m cleaning.”

“You ironed your sheets.”

“They wrinkle.”

“They’re sheets.”

“I know what they are.”

Noor looks up from her book.

“She’s avoiding the basketball game.”

“I’m not avoiding it.”

“You’ve cleaned the baseboards.”

“They were filthy.”

Lila peers over the side of the mattress.

“You’re wearing rubber gloves.”

“Chemicals exist.”

“It’s water and vinegar.”

“Still a compound.”

Noor closes her book.

“You could decide not to go.”