Run: 2026-03-18-01KM1GHDBB0VYHSAEHJKS311RV

# CAFE SCENE - ALBORN, MN **INT. SMALL TOWN CAFE - DAY** *Selvi sits alone at a corner table, scrolling through photos on her camera with a troubled expression. The cafe is nearly empty.* *HUNTER approaches, holding a coffee cup. He studies her for a moment, then sits down across from her uninvited.* **Hunter:** Excuse me... you were at the orchard yesterday, weren't you? Near the old barn? *Selvi looks up, startled. She shakes her head uncertainly.* **Selvi:** main nahi samjha... aap kya keh rahe hain? *(I don't understand... what are you saying?)* **Hunter:** *(confused, frowning)* I'm sorry? *Selvi's eyes widen. She speaks rapidly in Hindi, gesturing nervously.* **Selvi:** mainey uss gaon mein kuch dekha... woh cheezein jo bilkul sahi nahi hain... mujhe bahut dar lag raha hai. *(I saw something in that village... things that aren't right at all... I'm very scared.)* **Hunter:** *(brow furrowed, completely lost)* I... I'm sorry, I don't... Hindi? Is this Hindi? *Selvi nods quickly, then realizes he doesn't understand. Her hands tremble slightly as she holds up her camera, pointing at it.* **Selvi:** camera... photo... *(tapping the screen)* woh jagah... woh kaali kamar... *(that place... that dark room...)* **Hunter:** *(leaning in, trying to piece it together)* The orchard? You took pictures at the orchard? *Selvi's eyes light up with relief at the word "pictures." She nods vigorously and turns the camera toward him.* **Selvi:** haan, haan! dekhien, dekhien! *(yes, yes! look, look!)* *Hunter takes the camera, scrolling through photos. His expression shifts from curiosity to concern.* **Hunter:** *(quietly)* What the hell... *Selvi watches him anxiously, then speaks again in Hindi.* **Selvi:** kya aap mujhe samjha sakenge? maine kuch dekha hai... kuch aisa jo mujhe dikhaya gaya tha nahi... *(Can you understand me? I saw something... something I wasn't supposed to see...)* **Hunter:** *(setting the camera down slowly)* I don't understand a word you're saying, but... I need you to come with me. We need to talk. Properly. *Selvi hesitates, fear flickering across her face. She looks at the camera, then back at Hunter.* **Selvi:** kya aap achhe hain? kya aap police hain? *(Are you a good person? Are you police?)* *HUNTER'S PHONE RINGS. He glances at the screen and his jaw tightens.* **Hunter:** *(answering)* Yeah, it's me... What? When? *Selvi watches him, confused and anxious.* **Hunter:** *(into phone, standing)* I'll be there in ten. Don't touch anything. *He ends the call and looks at Selvi apologetically.* **Hunter:** I have to go. Something's happened. But I need to talk to you more about these photos. Can you wait here for me? *Selvi tilts her head, not comprehending fully. Hunter mimicks waiting, pointing at the chair.* **Hunter:** Stay. Here. Please. *Selvi slowly nods, though uncertainty remains in her eyes.* **Selvi:** theek hai... main yahan rahungi... *(okay... I'll wait here...)* *HUNTER grabs his coffee and hurries toward the door, pausing to look back at Selvi and the camera on the table.* **Hunter:** Don't leave. *He exits quickly. Selvi sits alone, clutching her camera, murmuring softly in Hindi.* **Selvi:** kya ho raha hai yahan? *(What's happening here?)* *She stares at the door, her fingers white against the camera.* **FADE OUT.** --- **END SCENE**