“May I come in?”The old man looked up from his book, surprise evident on his face. He had not been expecting any visitors, especially not at this hour. It was well past midnight, and he couldn't imagine who would be standing at his front door.He set his book down on the side table and made his way to the front door, curiosity getting the better of him. As he opened the door, he was greeted by a young woman standing on his doorstep. She was dressed in a simple black dress, her hair in disarray as if she had been running.“May I come in?” she asked again, her voice soft and urgent.The old man hesitated for a moment, unsure of how to respond. He was not accustomed to having visitors, especially not ones who showed up unannounced in the middle of the night. But something about the young woman's demeanor made him pause. There was a sense of desperation in her eyes, a plea for help that tugged at his heartstrings.“Yes, of course,” he finally said, stepping aside to let her in.As she entered his home, the old man couldn't help but notice how she seemed to carry an air of fragility and yet determination. There was a sense of mystery about her, one that he found both intriguing and unsettling.“Please, have a seat,” he offered, gesturing towards the couch in his modest living room.The young woman sat down, her hands trembling slightly as she clasped them together in her lap. She took a deep breath, as if steeling herself for what she was about to say.“I...I need your help,” she began, her voice wavering slightly.The old man sat down across from her, his eyes filled with concern. “What do you need help with?”She took a deep breath before speaking again. “I...I'm being followed. I don't know why or by whom, but I can't shake this feeling that someone is watching me, waiting for the right moment to strike.”The old man felt a chill run down his spine. He had heard stories of people being followed, of danger lurking in the shadows. But never had he imagined that it would come knocking on his doorstep in the form of a young woman seeking refuge.“I will do everything in my power to protect you,” he said solemnly, his voice filled with determination.The young woman looked up at him, gratitude shining in her eyes. “Thank you,” she whispered, her voice barely above a whisper.For the rest of the night, the old man stayed by her side, keeping watch over her as she slept. He could sense the fear and exhaustion weighing heavy on her, and yet she remained steadfast in her resolve to face whatever danger lay ahead.As the first light of dawn broke through the darkness, the old man knew that their journey was far from over. But he was prepared to face it head-on, with the young woman by his side.Together, they would conquer the shadows that lurked in the night, emerging stronger and braver than before. And in the process, they would forge a bond that would withstand the test of time.For in the darkest of nights, a beacon of light will always shine through, guiding those who seek refuge and solace in its warmth. And in the old man's home, that light burned brighter than ever before, a symbol of hope and courage in the face of adversity.
