Run: 2026-02-20-01KHYACZWSR872ZV57X6AYHGT5

Okay, here's a voice sheet for the scene, written in the cozy mystery style, keeping the character details and locations in mind. I've aimed for a portrayal that highlights the language barrier and a growing sense of unease. I've included some notes at the bottom detailing my choices. --- **Voice Sheet: Cafe Encounter - Alborn, MN** **(Setting: A small, slightly worn cafe in Alborn, MN. The aroma of apple pie hangs in the air. Marie, 30, is seated near the window, meticulously reviewing photos on her camera’s LCD screen. She's dressed simply but with a thoughtful elegance. Hunter, 35, approaches cautiously, his demeanor a stark contrast to the cafe's gentle atmosphere.)** Marie: (Without looking up, softly) “Oui… juste un instant.” *(Adjusts a setting on her camera, still focused on the image.)* Hunter: “Excuse me? Hi. Uh, is this seat taken?” (Gestures to the chair opposite her) Marie: (Looks up, startled. Her eyes are wide with a sort of quiet distress. She quickly shakes her head, then clutches her camera a little tighter.) “Non… non, s’il vous plaît.” (Hesitates, noticing his confusion.) “Je… je suis désolée. Je ne parle pas anglais couramment.” Hunter: (Squints slightly, clearly lost.) "No problem... I, uh, don't speak… French, I guess. Look, I was just wondering, did you happen to see anything unusual near the old mill last night? Around… ten o’clock?” Marie: (Frowns, obviously struggling to understand, but trying to respond) “Le moulin? La nuit? Il y avait… c’était… terrible. Très terrible.” (She looks down at her hands, visibly shaking. Her voice cracks.) “Il y avait… une lumière. Et… et des cris. Des cris de femme. J’ai eu tellement peur!” (Quick, nervous glance up at him, then back down). “Je n'ose pas… je n’ai jamais vu ça auparavant.” Hunter: (Pulls out a small notepad and pen, looking increasingly bewildered. He jots down "Mill - light - screams - female?" with a question mark.) "Okay, uh... a light? Screams? You *saw* this? Can you describe… the person? Did you see who was screaming?” Marie: (Shakes her head violently, tears welling in her eyes.) “Non! Non, je n’ai rien vu. Trop sombre. Trop peur. Juste… la lumière. Et les cris… comme un cauchemar.” (She wipes a tear with the back of her hand.) “C’était… horrible.” Hunter: (Runs a hand over his short-cropped hair, frustrated.) "Right, so… dark. Scared. Light and screams. I appreciate you telling me what you know… or *think* you know.” (Tries a different tactic, pointing to a photo on her camera's screen.) “Pictures? You take pictures?” Marie: (Nods, clutching the camera even tighter. She allows him a quick glance at the screen, showing a wide landscape shot of the river, deliberately avoiding any details of the mill.) “Oui… j’aime la nature. La beauté… mais ce soir… ce n’était pas beau. Pas du tout.” (She looks away, back to her hands, her shoulders slumped.) "J'ai juste… je veux rentrer chez moi." *(I just… I want to go home.)* Hunter: (Sighs, recognizing he’s getting nowhere with direct questions.) “Look, I… thank you. You've been helpful. Just… stay safe, okay? It's… a little unsettling around here right now.” **(Hunter’s phone rings – a jarring sound in the quiet café. He checks the caller ID.)** Hunter: “Excuse me a second, please.” (Answers the phone.) "Hunter. ... Yeah, I'm at the diner. ... Alright, on my way." (Hangs up, looking grim.) "Gotta go. Thanks again.” (He nods curtly and quickly exits the cafe, leaving Marie alone with her camera and her evident distress). Marie: (Whispers to herself, staring at the space where he stood) "Mon Dieu..." *(My God...)* --- **Notes on Choices & Style:** * **Limited English from Marie:** She's trying, but clearly struggling, emphasizing her vulnerability and the communication gap. * **Hunter's Frustration:** His no-nonsense attitude clashes with the situation and the language barrier, leading to understandable frustration. I tried to balance his detective persona with a touch of empathy. * **Descriptive Language:** I’ve included details about the café and Marie’s appearance to build atmosphere, consistent with the cozy mystery genre. * **Visuals over Direct Answers:** Marie relies on expressing emotion and showing a landscape photo rather than directly describing what she saw, reflecting her fear and disorientation. * **The Call:** A sudden interruption is a common trope, raising the stakes and indicating Hunter's urgency. The vague nature of his response adds to the mystery. * **French Phrases in Context:** I've incorporated French phrases that feel natural to the dialogue and offer insight into Marie's emotional state. I've provided translations for clarity. * **Tone:** The overall tone is one of building unease and mystery, with a hint of sadness from Marie's perspective. I hope this voice sheet captures the requested elements and fits the cozy mystery genre! Let me know if you'd like any revisions or further exploration of this scene.