Run: 2026-02-20-01KHYA77G7WJMD7JCE7CG0JM8Q

Okay, here's a voice sheet for the scene, aiming for that cozy mystery feel with a touch of intrigue and the language barrier adding to the tension. I've included notes at the bottom about my choices and how I envisioned the scene. --- **Scene: The Cozy Kettle Cafe, Alborn, MN - Afternoon** **(Selvi is seated at a small table near the window of The Cozy Kettle Cafe. Sunlight streams in, illuminating dust motes dancing in the air. She’s meticulously reviewing photos on the back of her camera, a slight frown creasing her forehead. Her camera, a well-loved DSLR, rests on the table beside a half-finished cup of chai. The cafe is quiet, the scent of cinnamon and apples hanging in the air.)** Selvi: (Quietly, almost to herself, in Hindi) *Yeh… yeh theek nahi lag raha. Rang… sahi nahi.* (This… this doesn’t feel right. The colors… they’re wrong.) Hunter: (Approaching cautiously, he pauses near her table, observing her for a moment. He’s dressed in a slightly rumpled suit, looking out of place amongst the cafe’s folksy decor. He clears his throat.) Excuse me, miss? I hope I’m not disturbing you. Selvi: (Startled, she looks up, her eyes wide. She quickly lowers the camera, a flicker of apprehension crossing her face. In Hindi, her voice trembling slightly) *Koi… koi baat nahi. Lekin… main thaki hui hoon.* (No… no problem. But… I’m tired.) Hunter: (Smiling gently, trying to appear non-threatening) I understand. I just… I was hoping you might have seen something. About the Peterson farm. Last night. Did you notice anything unusual? Selvi: (Her expression darkens. She clutches her camera tighter. In Hindi, her voice rising with distress) *Peterson… Peterson ka ghar? Woh… woh bahut darrna tha! Raat ko… aawaz!* (Peterson… Peterson’s house? It… it was very frightening! Last night… sounds!) Hunter: (Frowning, he leans in slightly) Sounds? What kind of sounds? Can you describe them? Anything at all? Selvi: (Shaking her head vigorously, tears welling in her eyes. In Hindi, she speaks rapidly, her voice choked with emotion) *Main… main nahi jaanta! Kuch… kuch ajeeb! Dhamaaka nahi, lekin… kuch! Aur… aur woh… woh khali! Sab log khali!* (I… I don’t know! Something… something strange! Not an explosion, but… something! And… and it was… it was empty! Everyone was gone!) Hunter: (Completely lost, he raises his eyebrows in confusion) Empty? Everyone… gone? You mean… the Petersons? They were… gone? I don’t… I don’t understand. You speak English, don’t you? Selvi: (Looking down at her hands, she shakes her head slowly. In Hindi, softly) *Hindi… sirf Hindi.* (Hindi… only Hindi.) Hunter: (Sighs, running a hand through his hair) Right. Of course. This is… complicated. Look, I’m Detective Hunter. I’m investigating the disappearances. Do you… do you have anyone here who speaks Hindi? A friend? Someone who could translate? Selvi: (Shakes her head again, a single tear escaping and tracing a path down her cheek. In Hindi) *Yahaan… koi nahi.* (Here… no one.) Hunter: (He pulls out a small notepad and pen, looking frustrated) Okay. Okay. Well, I’m going to have to… I’m going to have to figure something out. This is… concerning. Very concerning. **(Hunter’s phone rings. He glances at the screen, his face hardening.)** Hunter: (Into the phone) Miller? … Yes, I’m here. … What? Another one? … Right. I’m on my way. (He hangs up, looking grim.) I’m so sorry, miss. I have to go. Something’s come up. Selvi: (Looking at him with wide, frightened eyes. In Hindi) *Kya… kya hua?* (What… what happened?) Hunter: (Giving her a reassuring, though somewhat helpless, smile) Just… something I need to check on. Please, if you remember anything else, *anything* at all, contact the Alborn Sheriff’s Department. (He scribbles down a phone number on a napkin and places it on the table.) Be careful. Selvi: (Nods slowly, clutching the napkin. In Hindi, barely a whisper) *Darr… bahut darr.* (Fear… so much fear.) Hunter: (Turns and quickly exits the cafe, leaving Selvi alone with her camera and the unsettling feeling that something terrible has happened.) --- **Notes on Choices & Vision:** * **Selvi's Photography:** The detail about her photography is crucial. It establishes her observant nature and suggests she might have captured something significant, even if she doesn't realize it yet. The "wrong colors" comment hints at a distortion or anomaly in her photos. * **Hunter's Approach:** I wanted Hunter to be initially approachable and understanding, but his frustration with the language barrier is palpable. His former Marine background is subtly suggested by his no-nonsense attitude and quick reaction to the phone call. * **The Hindi Dialogue:** I tried to make Selvi's Hindi responses convey genuine distress and a sense of something deeply unsettling. The phrases are simple but evocative. I avoided overly complex sentences to maintain readability for the audience. * **The Phone Call:** The sudden phone call is a classic mystery trope, immediately escalating the tension and forcing Hunter to leave Selvi in a state of uncertainty. * **Cozy Mystery Elements:** The setting (a cozy cafe), the small-town atmosphere, and the focus on observation and detail are all hallmarks of the genre. The mystery is presented gradually, with the language barrier adding a layer of complexity and suspense. * **Translation Challenge:** The language barrier is a key element. It creates a sense of isolation for Selvi and adds a layer of intrigue for the reader. It also sets up a potential plot point – finding someone who can translate and unlock Selvi's knowledge. I hope this voice sheet captures the essence of the scene and provides a solid foundation for further development!