Run: 2026-03-18-01KM0AEXMFQW0S9PZ742PQB9XX

**Voice Sheet: A Chance Encounter** *Setting: A quiet afternoon at "The Golden Apple Café" in Alborn, MN. Sunlight filters through the large windows, casting a warm glow over the wooden tables. Maria, camera in hand, sits alone, her expression troubled as she flips through the photos on its display screen. The hum of the café—chatter, the clinking of cups—is a distant murmur in the background.* --- **Hunter** *(approaches Maria’s table, hands tucked into the pockets of his leather jacket. He clears his throat politely.)* Hunter: "Excuse me. Mind if I sit?" *Maria looks up, her dark eyes widening slightly. She shakes her head and gestures to the empty chair across from her—a silent invitation.* **Hunter** *(pulls out the chair and sits, his voice direct but not unkind.)* Hunter: "You’re the Spanish student, right? The one from the college in the city? I saw you around campus." *Maria nods, her fingers tightening around her camera strap. She replies softly in Spanish, her voice laced with unease.* **Maria** *(hesitant, in Spanish)* Maria: "Sí... I mean, yes. I’m Maria. Photographs are my way of understanding this town, but lately..." *She trails off, shaking her head.* **Hunter** *(blinks, then frowns slightly. He doesn’t understand.)* Hunter: "Sorry, I don’t speak Spanish. Could you—" *Maria realizes her mistake and switches to broken English, her words halting.* **Maria** Maria: "Sorry. My English... is not good. I try, but..." *She gestures vaguely.* "These photos... they make me sad. Too many shadows now." **Hunter** *(leans forward slightly, his tone measured.)* Hunter: "Shadows?" *Maria nods, flipping the camera around to show him a recent photo—a misty street in what looks like the older part of town, the lampposts casting long, eerie shapes.* **Maria** Maria: "Here. This street. Before, it was bright. Now, no one walks. Only... disappearances." *She shivers, wrapping her arms around herself.* **Hunter** *(his jaw tightens, but he keeps his voice even.)* Hunter: "Disappearances?" *Maria looks up at him, her eyes reflecting genuine fear.* **Maria** Maria: "Four people. Gone. Last month, last week... the mayor’s daughter too. The police say ‘accidents.’ But this town—" *She gestures toward the window, where the quiet streets of Alborn are visible.* "—it hides things in the dark." *Hunter’s phone rings loudly, startling Maria. He pulls it out, checks the caller ID, and sighs.* **Hunter** *(to Maria, apologetic)* Hunter: "I’ve got to take this. But I’d like to talk more later. Maybe you can show me those photos?" *Maria nods, but before she can respond, Hunter stands, already answering the call.* **Hunter** *(into phone)* Hunter: "Yeah, I’m on my way." *With a last glance at Maria—who watches him with wide eyes—Hunter strides out of the café, leaving her alone with her camera and the weight of unspoken questions.*