The afternoon progressed slowly in that apartment, bringing with it a grayish sky that threatened to unleash another freezing storm over the rooftops. Inside the house, the atmosphere had not cleared up completely. Although the morning's argument in the living room had dissipated on the surface, the air felt thick with unspoken words and sideways glances every time someone passed through the hallways.
Aibek remained on the ground floor, trapped between forced rest and the boredom caused by not being able to use his right hand freely. The medical bandage was still firmly wrapped around his wrist, and although the pain had subsided to a dull throb, the stiffness reminded him at every moment that he shouldn't make any sudden movements, as that would mean hurting his hand even more.
