## Scene: Cafe in Alborn, MN **INT. CAFE - DAY** Sunlight streams through the cafe windows, illuminating the worn wooden tables and mismatched chairs. MARIE (30s, French, beautiful), sits alone at a corner table, engrossed in her camera. She flips through photos, her brow furrowed with concentration. She sighs, then runs her fingers over the lens as if seeking solace. HUNTER (35, ex-marine, ruggedly handsome), crosses the cafe, his gaze scanning the room. He spots Marie and heads towards her, his dark eyes full of curiosity. **HUNTER** (In a gruff voice) Excuse me, ma'am. Marie looks up, startled. She eyes him warily, her French accent thick and lilting. **MARIE** (In French) Oui? Hunter stares at her, confused. He frowns. **HUNTER** (Slightly bewildered) Uh... I'm looking for some information. Marie nods slowly, still cautious. **MARIE** (In French) Oui, bien sûr. **HUNTER** (Trying a different tactic) Do you speak English? Marie shakes her head, her gaze shifting to her camera again. **MARIE** (In French) Non. **HUNTER** (Frustrated but determined) Okay. Can you understand me? I need to ask you about the...apple festival. Marie flinches at the mention of the festival, her eyes widening in alarm. **MARIE** (In French, her voice trembling) Je ne comprends pas. Je ne sais pas. Hunter leans closer, trying to understand the panicked look on her face. **HUNTER** (In a gentler tone) Is everything okay? What happened? Marie closes her eyes for a moment, gathering her composure. **MARIE** (In French, her voice low and urgent) Non, rien. Rien ne va pas. **HUNTER** (Puzzled) I don’t understand. Hunter reaches into his pocket for his phone, but before he can pull it out, a familiar ringtone cuts through the cafe’s quiet hum. He sighs, takes the call, and steps away from the table. **HUNTER** (Into the phone) Yeah, I'm right here... What? Alright. I'm coming in. He hangs up and gives Marie a worried look. **HUNTER** (Exasperated) Look, I'm really sorry, I need to go. Can we talk later? He gestures vaguely, then hurries out of the cafe, leaving Marie alone, her face etched with a mixture of fear and confusion.