**INT. CAFE - DAY** *The cafe is bustling with the murmur of locals enjoying their coffee. Sunlight filters through the windows, casting a warm glow on the patrons. MELANIE sits alone at a table, her camera laid out before her. She's quietly flipping through the images on the screen, a look of concern etched on her face. HUNTER enters, his detective's gaze scanning the room before settling on Melanie. He approaches her table, his demeanor serious and purposeful.* **HUNTER** *(extends a hand)* Detective Hunter. I'm investigating some unusual activity in town. Mind if I join you? *Melanie looks up, startled. She shakes her head and gestures to the empty chair.* **MELANIE** *(in German, with a heavy accent)* Ich spreche kein Englisch. Sprechen Sie Deutsch? *Hunter's brow furrows, clearly not understanding. He shakes his head.* **HUNTER** I'm sorry, I don't speak German. Do you know anything about the recent disappearances? *Melanie's eyes widen, and she nods, her hands anxiously playing with her camera strap.* **MELANIE** *(in German)* Ja, Menschen verschwinden. Es ist sehr beunruhigend. Ich habe Fotos... vielleicht können sie helfen? *She turns her camera around, showing Hunter a picture of a crowded street during the apple festival, pointing to a spot where a person seems to have been digitally erased.* **HUNTER** *(scratching his head, frustrated)* I wish I could understand you. These photos... could be important. *Hunter pulls out his phone, quickly downloading a translation app. He speaks into it.* **HUNTER** *(through the app, in broken German)* Can you tell me more? When did you take these pictures? **MELANIE** *(relieved, speaks slowly)* Ich habe die Fotos gestern aufgenommen. Hier, sehen Sie? Eine Person fehlt. Wie ein Geist. **HUNTER** *(listening to the app's translation)* Yesterday... a person missing... like a ghost. *Hunter's phone buzzes, and he glances at the screen. His expression turns serious.* **HUNTER** I have to take this. But please, stay here. We need to talk more about this. *Melanie nods, her expression earnest and cooperative.* **MELANIE** *(in German)* Ich werde hier warten. Seien Sie vorsichtig. **HUNTER** *(through the app)* Be careful? I will. Thank you for your help. *Hunter stands, giving Melanie a nod of appreciation before heading outside to take the call, leaving Melanie sitting alone, her camera still in hand, the weight of the town's mysteries hanging in the air.* **FADE OUT.**