Run: 2026-02-20-01KHYAQD99Z3N5G7DXWYE32D38

## Voice Sheet: Scene - Alborn Cafe **Setting:** A small, cozy cafe in Alborn, MN. Early afternoon. The aroma of coffee and apple pie hangs in the air. **Characters:** Isabella (30, Italian student - speaks only Italian), Hunter (35, Detective - speaks only English) --- **Isabella:** (Eyes wide, nervously fiddling with her camera strap. Speaks quickly, a tremor in her voice) *“Oh mio Dio… è terribile! Ho visto… ho visto una luce strana, vicino al bosco ieri sera. E poi… niente. Signora Peterson… era lì, a raccogliere mele, e poi sparita. Completamente sparita!”* **Hunter:** (Approaches her table, badge visible. Tone is direct, a little gruff.) “Excuse me, ma'am. Detective Hunter. I'm looking into the disappearance of Mrs. Peterson. I saw you were taking pictures near the orchard yesterday. Did you see anything… unusual?” **Isabella:** (Gasps, clutching her camera closer. Responds with rising panic.) *“Sparita?! Sì! Scomparsa! Io... io non capisco! Era una signora gentile… sempre un sorriso. E quella luce… era blu, tremolante… non era naturale!”* **Hunter:** (Frowning, clearly not understanding a word. Runs a hand through his hair.) “Uh… I’m sorry, I don't… I don't understand what you’re saying. Do you speak English?” **Isabella:** (Shakes her head vehemently, tears welling up) *“Inglese? No! Io parlo solo italiano! Italiano! Non capisce?”* (Points to herself, then gestures emphatically) *“Italiano!”* **Hunter:** (Sighs, pulling out a small notepad. Attempts a simplified approach.) “English? No English? Okay… Did you… see… Mrs. Peterson? Yesterday?” (He mimes taking a picture, then points vaguely toward the outside) **Isabella:** (Interprets the gestures, but her distress is palpable. She starts to explain, slower this time) *“Sì, l'ho vista. Era vicino agli alberi di mele. Stava raccogliendo… mele rosse, belle… Poi… una luce! E lei… puff! Scomparsa! Come fumo!”* (Makes a sweeping gesture with her hand, like something vanishing) **Hunter:** (Looks increasingly frustrated. He catches snippets - “apple trees”, “light” - but the overall meaning eludes him) “Okay, light… apple trees… Look, I’m trying to figure this out. Is this light… a car? A flashlight?” He tries to pantomime different light sources. **Isabella:** (Frustrated now, tries to explain with more detail) *“No! Non una luce normale! Era… eterea! Come qualcosa… non di questo mondo! E dopo la luce, silenzio. Un silenzio spaventoso!”* (Shivers dramatically) **Hunter:** (Just as he's about to ask another question, his radio crackles to life.) "Hunter, we've got another one. Old Man Hemlock hasn't been seen since this morning. Same area as Peterson. Get over to Hemlock's farm ASAP." **Hunter:** (To the radio) “Copy that. On my way.” (To Isabella, a weary sigh) "Look, I’m really sorry, I need to go. I… Wish I could understand you." (He gives a quick, apologetic nod.) "Maybe someone around here speaks Italian?" --- **Note to Actors:** * **Isabella:** Play up the fear and frustration. Her Italian should be rapid and emotional, reflecting her increasing anxiety. Focus on conveying emotion *through* the language barrier, using facial expressions and body language. * **Hunter:** Maintain the "no-nonsense" persona. Show frustration mounting with each failed attempt at communication. His body language should be direct and slightly impatient, but ultimately respectful.