Run: 2026-02-20-01KHYA3GQ0HHKH0DKDTV3SXP6X

**Scene: *The Café by the Clock Tower*** --- **Isabella** *(sits at the wooden table, camera resting on the tabletop, her fingers tracing the lens cap with quiet concentration. The morning light filters through the café’s stained-glass windows, casting golden streaks across the worn linoleum.)* *"...Qualcosa non va bene qui. Non so bene cosa, ma sento che qualcosa è sbagliato."* *(Something’s not right here. I don’t know exactly what, but I feel it’s wrong.)* **Hunter** *(steps up to the table, his boots scuffing against the tile, his sharp eyes scanning the room before landing on Isabella. His jaw tightens as he realizes she doesn’t speak English.)* *"What?"* *(His voice is low, clipped. He doesn’t wait for an answer—he’s already pulling out his phone, thumb hovering over the screen.)* *"Sì, sì, sì—* **Hunter** *(muttering, voice raised slightly as he talks into the phone, his posture shifting, shoulders tensing—his focus flickering between Isabella and the call.)* *"Alborn Police Department… ah, yes… I’ll be there in twenty… no, I’ll meet you at the station…"* *(He hangs up abruptly, slamming the phone shut. His expression darkens.)* *"You’re sure you’re okay?"* *(His voice is rough, almost a growl. He leans in, his presence suddenly overwhelming.)* Isabella *(hesitant, then nods slowly, her fingers stilling on the camera.)* *"Sì… ma non lo so."* *(Yes… but I don’t know.)* *(Hunter exhales sharply, his gaze locking onto hers for a long moment before he turns away, striding toward the exit. The café door slams behind him.)* --- **End Scene.** --- **Notes on Tone:** - **Isabella’s Italian** is natural but strained—she’s not a native speaker, so her phrasing is slightly off (e.g., *"Qualcosa non va bene"* could be more fluid as *"Qualcosa non va a posto"* or *"Qualcosa non funziona"*). - **Hunter’s frustration** is palpable—his lack of Italian makes communication difficult, and his urgency (the call) adds tension. - The **small-town setting** (Alborn’s quiet, the café’s worn charm) contrasts with the unsettling undercurrent of disappearances. Would you like any adjustments to the dialogue or pacing?