# Scene Transcript: Cafe Encounter **Marie:** *Unconventionally beautiful and serene, Marie sits alone in the cozy cafe. The gentle aroma of fresh croissants and brewing coffee encapsulates her. She stares at her vintage camera on the table, absentmindedly caressing its leather case.* **Hunter:** *The cafe's peaceful atmosphere is disrupted as the no-nonsense detective, Hunter, approaches. He notices Marie's foreign features and takes a calculated guess.* "Pardon me, mademoiselle. I couldn't help but notice you seemed...perturbed. Are you, by any chance, aware of the recent...uh...troubles in town?" *His attempts at phrasing in French fall flat due to his complete lack of fluency.* **Marie:** *Marie's wide eyes reflect her shock and confusion. With a voice tinged with a mix of fear and curiosity, she responds in fluent French, her words a rapid-fire blur to the uncomprehending detective.* Marie: "Oh mon Dieu! Je... Je ne pensais pas rencontrer quelqu'un qui... Que s'est-il passé dans la ville? J'étais en train de développer mes photographies de la journée quand j'ai reçu un message inquiétant d'une amie." (Translation: Oh my God! I... I didn't expect to meet anyone who... What happened in town? I was developing my day's photographs when I got a worrying message from a friend.) **Hunter:** *Hunter's brow furrows in concentration as he attempts to decipher her words, but it's clear he's lost. Feeling slightly embarrassed, he switches to English, his tone becoming more firm and direct.* Hunter: "Sorry, I don't speak French. Are you a tourist here? Any idea why your friend sent that message? This town's been a real rollercoaster lately." **Marie:** *Marie's expression shifts to one of concern and she lowers her voice, glancing around to ensure they're not overheard.* Marie: "Je ne comprends pas. Est-ce que vous pensez qu'il y a un lien avec les disparitions récentes ? C'est terrifiant! J'espère que..." (Translation: I don't understand. Do you think this is connected to the recent disappearances? It's terrifying! I hope that...) **Hunter:** *His interest piques at the mention of the disappearances, but before Hunter can press further, his phone interrupts, the ringtone cutting through the cafe's ambiance.* **Hunter (cont'd):** "Uh, that's my cue to leave. Seems like another lead just came up. Nice talkin' to ya." *He ends the conversation abruptly and exits the cafe, pulling out his phone as he goes.* *Marie watches Hunter's hasty departure, feeling a mix of emotions. The loud ring of his phone still resonates in her ears as she ponders the mysterious events of Alborn, MN.*