Germany

The clock on the wall showed two in the morning. Germany returned to the apartment, barely able to move his legs from exhaustion. Behind him lay a difficult sixteen-hour workday, filled with endless reports and tough negotiations. His head was pounding.
He silently took off his shoes, automatically hung his coat at the perfect distance from his jacket, and walked into the bedroom. Richter rose silently from the darkness of the living room. The dog didn't jump or bark—he simply approached, nuzzled his cold nose into his master's hand, and followed quietly, sensing his exhaustion. Germany didn't even bother turning on the light. He pulled off his heavy boots, unbuttoned the top buttons of his shirt, and collapsed onto the hard bed fully clothed, closing his eyes. Sleep would wipe him out in seconds.
Suddenly, in the silence of the apartment, a sharp, insistent knock was heard at the door.
Richter instantly straightened up, growled softly, and froze in the doorway, staring at the front door. Germany froze. For a moment, he hated the entire world. His inner perfectionist demanded he ignore the irritant, as the time for visits had long since passed. But his cooler head prevailed: if they were knocking so late, something extraordinary must have happened.
He sighed heavily and stood up. His body felt leaden, his eyes stung from lack of sleep. Germany's face had become a stony, sullen mask, and a dangerous irritation flared in his icy-blue eyes. He wasn't used to hiding his anger when his personal boundaries were violated.
Germany approached the door, Richter obediently standing on his left, ready for any command. Without looking through the peephole or even asking, "Who's there?", he abruptly swung the heavy door open with the characteristic dry click of the lock. Standing on the threshold, in the cold light of the entryway, was the night visitor. Germany crossed his arms over his chest, gave his guest a chilling, rude look, and said sullenly:

— It's two in the morning. Your reason must be compelling, otherwise I'll lock the door. Speak quickly.