"I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to startle you," Maria said, looking up from her camera. "I wasn't expecting anyone. It's just... it's been really strange here lately. The disappearances, I mean." Hunter's eyebrows raised, his gaze fixed on Maria's face. "Go on. What kind of disappearances?" Maria took a deep breath, her eyes darting around the cafe. "People have gone missing. No one knows what happened to them. Some say they just vanished like dust, while others... others say more. People are starting to fear for their safety." Hunter's expression turned grim. "I see. And what kind of towns have this happened in?" Maria hesitated, studying Hunter's reaction before speaking. "It's... it's Alborn. People are talking about the festival... but I don't understand. The festival is supposed to be a celebration. They have music, food, and games. Why would someone want to harm the victims?" Hunter's eyes narrowed. "The festival? Don't you know the festival is a family event? People come from all over to celebrate the harvest season." Maria shook her head, her expression troubled. "I've been trying to talk to the townspeople, but... I just don't get why. They just seem to think it's normal. Anyway... it's stressing me out." Hunter's reaction sent a flicker of surprise through Maria, and he furrows his brow. "Normal?" he repeated. "Excuse me?" (Maria nodded, looking down at her hands. "Yes, I mean... it's just that sometimes I think something's not... right. But I don't know what. And I'm scared for the people who are missing." (Maria didn't notice the line in the cafe, but Hunter's eyes locked onto hers, his expression a mixture of concern and curiosity.)