Run: 2026-05-10-01KR8WTBXZ5YWFCZD9T86WBWDR

The afternoon sun filtered through the windows of *The Apple Core Café*, casting long, amber shadows across Marie’s small wooden table. She sat hunched over her digital camera, her thumb tracing the edge of the lens. Her mind wasn't on the composition of her landscapes, though; it was on the blurry, terrifying image she had captured near the edge of the woods an hour ago—something that didn't belong in the quiet charm of Alborn. The bell above the door chimed, and a man with heavy boots and an even heavier expression approached. Hunter looked like he hadn't slept since the disappearances began; his eyes were sharp, scanning the room with the practiced efficiency of a former Marine. He stopped at her table, his shadow falling over her camera. Marie: "Excusez-moi, est-ce que vous avez vu quelque chose d'étrange près du vieux pont ce matin ? J'ai pris une photo... et j'ai peur de ce que j'ai vu." Hunter: "Sorry? I didn't quite catch that. Do you speak English, miss?" Marie: "Je... je ne comprends pas. Je suis désolée. Je suis très secouée. C'était horrible, une ombre, juste là, entre les arbres..." Hunter: "Look, I don't know what you're saying, but you look like you've seen a ghost. Did you witness something? Something related to the people missing?" Marie: "Je ne sais pas comment vous le dire. C'était comme si la forêt elle-même l'avait avalé. Est-ce que d'autres personnes ont disparu de cette façon ?" Hunter: "I'm guessing that's a 'yes' based on your face. Listen, I'm Detective Hunter. If you saw something out by the woods, I need you to tell me. Even if you can't find the words in English, just... show me. Point to where it happened." Marie: "C'est trop difficile. Je me sens si seule ici, et tout ce qui m'entoure semble si... menaçant maintenant." Hunter: "I can tell you're upset, and I'd help you if I could understand a word of it. Just stay in town, alright? Don't go wandering off alone. It's not safe right now." Suddenly, the sharp, rhythmic buzzing of a cell phone cut through the tension. Hunter reached into his jacket, pulling out a rugged device. He glanced at the screen, and his expression hardened instantly. Hunter: "Dammit. I have to go. Stay put, okay? If you see anyone suspicious, get to the station." Marie: "Attendez ! Ne partez pas ! Je ne peux pas rester ici toute seule !" Hunter: "Sorry, kid. I've got a lead. Just... stay safe."