Run: 2026-03-03-01KJV0Q0YVDKJ2WV7G96KKYPT2

The screen door of the Alborn Café creaked, letting in a gust of crisp, autumnal air that smelled of dried leaves and the lingering cinnamon of the town's famous apple festival. Marie sat in a corner booth, her fingers tracing the digital display on her camera, her brow furrowed as she scrolled through the candid shots of the Alborn town square. Hunter stood over her, his silhouette casting a shadow across her screen. He wore a heavy wool jacket that carried the scent of rain and cold prairie air. He took off his hat, revealing eyes that were sharp, tired, and entirely focused on the task at hand. Here is their exchange: **Hunter:** "Excuse me, miss. Do you have a second? I’m Detective Hunter. I'm looking into the folks who’ve gone missing here lately. I noticed you were taking pictures near the old mill yesterday. Did you see anything unusual? Anyone hanging around who didn't belong?" **Marie:** "Oh, mon Dieu... c’est horrible. J’ai vu... j’ai vu quelque chose dans le viseur, mais je n’étais pas sûre. C’était une ombre, une ombre qui bougeait si vite derrière la grange. Mes mains tremblent encore quand j'y pense. Est-ce que cette ville est sûre ? Je ne comprends rien à ce qui arrive ici !" **Hunter:** "Whoa, slow down. You're losing me. I don't speak... whatever that is. Look, did you see a person? A vehicle? Just point at the photos if you have to. I need something to go on." **Marie:** "Je ne peux pas... ce n'était pas humain, ou peut-être que si, je ne sais pas ! S’il vous plaît, ne me demandez pas de regarder ces images encore. J’ai essayé de capturer la lumière, mais j'ai trouvé l'obscurité. Pourquoi me posez-vous ces questions à moi ?" **Hunter:** "I’m getting nothing here. Look, maybe we can find someone in town to translate later, but stay put, okay? Don't go wandering off with that camera anymore." *(Hunter’s radio crackles sharply on his belt. He sighs, pressing a hand to his earpiece, his expression hardening as he hears the dispatch report.)* **Hunter:** "Damn it. Listen, I have to go. Duty calls. Just… stay inside, alright? We’ll talk when I get back." *(Hunter turns on his heel and strides out the door, leaving Marie shivering slightly, her thumb hovering nervously over the 'Delete' button of her camera.)*