Midnight visitor

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It was a frosty winter. The entire area was blanketed in white snow. The snowfall continued throughout the day and didn’t stop even as night fell. Outside, not a single soul could be seen. Everyone seemed to have gathered in a small house by the forest, a stark contrast to the cold desolation outside. Inside, there was noise and warmth. Everyone sat around the table, eagerly awaiting a delicious apple pie, whose aroma filled the air. Loud conversations and bursts of laughter echoed endlessly.

The cozy cheer and closeness were abruptly interrupted by a knock at the door. Everyone froze and looked at each other. No one else was expected, especially with midnight only minutes away.
"I’ll get it," said an elderly man with gray hair. When he opened the door, he was met by an imposing figure—a tall, elegant man. The stranger looked at the old man and said, "I’m sorry to bother you at such a late hour," as he removed his hat in a gesture of respect. "I’m looking for someone, and I’m certain I’ll find them here."
"This must be some kind of joke," the old man replied, trying to close the door, but the stranger quickly blocked it and forced his way inside.

In no time, his eyes locked with those of a woman who was visibly terrified. Meanwhile, the other household members began shouting, demanding the stranger leave and leave them in peace.
"I’m happy to leave," he said, pointing directly at the woman, "but not alone."
"She’s not going anywhere with you!" yelled a young man, stepping between them. "Call the police!"

"I’ll go with him," the woman said softly, tears streaming down her face.
"What are you talking about?!" the young man shouted, grabbing her hand. She turned to him, cupping his face with trembling hands, and said, "There are things you’ll never understand. I have to go now, but I promise I’ll find a way to come back. I’m so sorry."

It was, without a doubt, the worst moment of her life. Just moments ago, they were laughing and holding each other, and now she was leaving him without a single explanation.
"What will happen to me now?" the woman asked.
"I don’t know. I’m just a temporal travel officer," the stranger replied. "I track down fugitives like you and bring them to trial. The rest isn’t my concern."

The woman turned once more to the house, looking down at her hand, gripping the ring on her finger tightly.
"We’ll find each other again," she whispered.