## Scene: Cafe in Alborn, Minnesota **INT. CAFE - DAY** Melanie, 20s, sits at a table in the cafe, a steaming mug of coffee in front of her. She's meticulously organizing photos on her camera, her brow furrowed in concentration. Hunter, 30s, walks in, his eyes scanning the room. He notices Melanie, her foreign features striking in the small-town cafe. He approaches her table, a hesitant smile on his face. **HUNTER** (In heavily accented German) Entschuldigung, sprechen Sie Deutsch? Melanie jumps, startled, and looks up at him with wide, startled eyes. **MELANIE** (In German, shaken) Ja... aber... warum? **HUNTER** (Confused) Uh... I'm Hunter. I'm investigating... some things. You seem like you know Alborn pretty well. Melanie's eyes widen further. She looks around nervously. **MELANIE** (In German, whispering) Es ist gefährlich hier. Ich habe... ich habe Angst. Hunter frowns, confused. He points to his own chest. **HUNTER** (In English) I'm a detective. I'm here to help. Melanie shakes her head, looking distressed. **MELANIE** (In German, panicked) Nein. Sie müssen gehen. Es ist nicht sicher. Hunter sighs, unsure what to do. He pulls out his phone and dials a number, speaking in English. **HUNTER** (On the phone) Yeah, I need a translator... asap. It's important. **MELANIE** (In German, pleading) Bitte, gehen Sie. Hunter nods at her, then puts his phone away. **HUNTER** (In English) Look, I just want to ask you some questions. Nothing to be afraid of. **MELANIE** (In German, looking desperately around) Ich kann hier nicht sprechen. Es ist zu gefährlich. Hunter sees the fear in her eyes. He takes another shaky breath. **HUNTER** (In English) Alright, alright. I'll leave you be. He stands up, turning to leave. **HUNTER** (In English) But if you change your mind, the cafe is called "The Willow Tree." I'll be back. He pauses, looking back at her. **HUNTER** (In English) And stay safe. He leaves the cafe, glancing back at her. She remains sitting at her table, her gaze fixed on the door as he leaves.