## Scene: Cafe in Alborn, MN **INT. CAFE - DAY** Maria sits at a small table near the window, sunlight dappling through the leaves, illuminating her face as she examines her camera's display. Her dark eyes are troubled. Hunter, a tall, broad-shouldered man in a worn leather jacket, approaches her table. He's got a rugged look about him, with a strong jawline, and his eyes are sharp. He doesn't smile. **HUNTER** Excuse me. Maria jumps slightly, startled. She looks up, her eyes widening. She's still clutching her camera, her fingers white-knuckled. Hunter gestures to the table with a nod. **HUNTER (CONT'D)** Mind if I sit? Maria hesitates, then nods curtly. Hunter pulls up a chair and sits down, his gaze unwavering. **HUNTER (CONT'D)** You're new in town, aren’t you? I haven’t seen you around before. Maria continues to stare at him, as if she can't quite comprehend what he's saying. Her brow furrows in confusion. **MARIA** (In Spanish) Lo siento, no entiendo… **HUNTER** (Confused) Um... I'm trying to find out more about the apple festival. You know, the one that happened last weekend. Any interesting stories? Maria's face crumples. She pushes the camera away from her, her hand shaking. **MARIA** (In Spanish) El festival… era horrible. Tenía miedo. **HUNTER** (Frustrated) I don't understand… Maria looks at him, a mixture of fear and desperation in her eyes. **MARIA** (In Spanish) No… no entiendo. Necesito… necesito ayuda. **HUNTER** (Standing up) Look, I'm sorry, I don't speak Spanish. Maybe you should try to find someone who can help you. Just as he's about to turn away, his phone rings. He answers it, his face instantly hardening. He talks in short, clipped sentences, his gaze fixed on the street outside. **HUNTER (CONT'D)** (Into the phone) Alright. I'm on my way. He hangs up and turns back to Maria. **HUNTER (CONT'D)** I'm sorry, I've gotta go. Maybe later? He turns and walks away, leaving Maria alone at the table, her camera forgotten, her eyes wide with fear. She looks lost and alone in the bustling cafe.