Matthew's cast had changed from the bulky plaster long cast to a smaller, more practical one on his lower arm, held in place by a small fabric sling. With this latest development, Matthew was suddenly a great deal more mobile, and made it clear. It had only been a week, but for Matthew, America, and Ukraine it felt as though they had always been kept together in that hospital room.

They were quick to take advantage of this new development, though. Matthew and America could be seen wandering the halls of the hospital or sitting in the cafeteria, drinking coffee and juice together. They'd even been caught by Ukraine when they tried to have a wheelchair race down a particularly empty hall after visiting hours. And despite the cold, Matthew was quick to demand that all three of them visit the courtyard constantly and enjoy what remained of the sunshine and fair weather.

After days of being bedridden, though, Matthew was not in great shape. He tired very easily and it was not uncommon for him to be half-carried by America back to his bed. Dr. Sawa was reluctant to allow Matthew into the gym or have any serious work-outs, and the resident physiotherapist was quick to agree. This frustrated Matthew to no end.

"I'm getting better! I want to go home," he told America. "I don't need to stay here for my arm anymore." He would stand and try to leave the his room, only to be held back by America.

"You're not better," he said. All the advice about being patient was making sense now, and Dr. Sawa reiterated it after every single check-up. "You've been hurt bad. You were hit by a bus, Matt."

And Matthew practically shouted, "I don't remember that! I was probably in a hockey match and things just got a little rough! When I get out of here, I'll be so much better." He fought against America's grip, but he knew, deep down, that there was no way he would actually be able to escape his hold. Ukraine jumped in to help, taking Matthew's shoulders and pushing him back down onto his bed. Matthew made an effort to never fight her off. America was his twin and there was an understanding between the two, but Matthew made it so very clear that he trusted Ukraine to always do what was best for him.

But he still didn't believe it when either of them described what they knew about the crash.