Boris stood in front of his apartment door, the cool evening air still clinging to his coat. His hand, hidden in the pocket of his coat, brushed against the cold steel of the key as he approached his door. The street was quiet, but he knew better than to trust it. Shadows hung thick in the evening air, long and stretching under the flickering streetlights.

He selected a key but paused before pushing it into the lock. Instead, he twisted the knob, as if fumbling, turning it once, twice, three times. He paused, letting his gaze drift, pretending to scan for the keyhole. But his real focus was on the building’s reflection in the window across the street, checking for anything out of place. Then he let out a frustrated huff, feigning confusion as his fingers brushed against his keyring, the metal jingling in the silence.

It wasn’t about finding the right key.

A signal. A silent message through the solid wood door. I’m alone.

Finally, he slid the correct key in, unlocking the door in one smooth motion. The door creaked open, and Boris stepped inside, quietly shutting it behind him. His ears tuned in for any sound, but only the comforting hum of the refrigerator greeted him.

Satisfied, he made his way deeper into the apartment and, with a smirk, finally allowed his guard to drop.

“Honey,” he said softly, his tone more relaxed now that he knew the coast was clear. "I'm home."