## Scene: Cafe in Alborn, MN **INT. CAFE - DAY** Sunlight streams through the windows, illuminating the cafe's rustic charm. MARIA (30s), with her vibrant Spanish eyes and a camera resting on the table, stares intently at a photo on the screen. HUNTER (35), a ruggedly handsome man with a Marine's disciplined posture, enters the cafe. He scans the room for a moment before spotting Maria. His expression is stern, but not unfriendly. He approaches her table. **HUNTER** (In heavily accented English) Excuse me, Ma'am. Are you the woman I saw taking pictures at the festival last night? Maria jumps slightly, startled, and turns to face him. Her eyes, once animated when looking at her camera, now reflect a troubled fear. **MARIA** (In rapid, broken Spanish) Si... si, yo estuve allí. Pero no tome fotos durante mucho tiempo. Estaba preocupada. Hunter stares at her, utterly bewildered. He doesn’t understand a single word. **HUNTER** (Tilting his head in confusion) Uh… I’m sorry, I... don’t speak Spanish. **MARIA** (Her fear momentarily replaced with exasperation) Oh. No. No! ¿Por qué todos aquí hablan inglés? **HUNTER** (Trying to be reassuring) You’re in Alborn, Minnesota. It's a small town. He points to a photo of a smiling young woman on Maria’s camera screen. **HUNTER** (Softly) Who is this? **MARIA** (Her voice filled with anguish) Mi amiga. La vi por última vez anoche. Ella fue a la feria.... Maria’s voice cracks, and tears well up in her eyes. **HUNTER** (Concerned) Listen, I’m a detective investigating… well, there’s been some… some strange things happening lately. People disappearing… He pauses, hoping to find a way to connect with her. **MARIA** (Turning to look at him) ¿Ella también desapareció? **HUNTER** (Shaking his head) I don’t know. I… I need to ask you some questions. Just then, Hunter’s phone rings. He answers it, his expression becoming serious. **HUNTER** (On the phone, his voice strained) I’m on my way… Yes, I’ll be there as soon as I can. He looks back at Maria, his face contorted with worry. **HUNTER** (To Maria) I’m sorry, I need to go. But please… if you know anything about… He’s cut off by a wave of frantic Spanish that he doesn’t understand. He tries to gesture, trying to indicate he wants to help. But Maria has clearly retreated back into her anxiety and fear. **HUNTER** (Sighing) Please… stay here. And don’t worry. We’ll find her. He glances one last time at Maria, her eyes filled with the same fear and uncertainty that haunts him. He hurries out of the cafe, leaving Maria alone in the warm sunlight, her camera silent and her heart heavy with worry.