Run: 2026-07-01-01KWE8YQJTSMW51C67GEW9W1D6

**INT. CAFÉ ON MAIN STREET — ALBORN, MN — AFTERNOON** *Marie sits at a small table by the window, turning her camera over in her hands, scrolling through photos with a troubled expression. Hunter approaches, notebook in hand.* Hunter: "Afternoon. Mind if I ask you a few questions? I'm Detective Hunter, working on the disappearances here in town." Marie: *(startled, clutching her camera)* "Je... je ne sais pas si je peux parler de ça." Hunter: *(pausing, brow furrowed)* "Sorry — I didn't catch that. You alright?" Marie: "C'était horrible. J'étais là-bas, près du verger, quand j'ai entendu quelqu'un crier." Hunter: "Ma'am, I need you to slow down for me. I don't understand a word of that." Marie: *(shaking her head, eyes welling up)* "Pardon... je ne parle pas anglais. Je ne sais pas comment vous expliquer." Hunter: *(sighing, glancing around)* "No English, huh. Great." *(beat)* "Okay — did you see anything? Anyone? Near the orchard, maybe?" Marie: *(pointing to her camera, hands trembling)* "Regardez — j'ai des photos. Je les ai prises juste avant que tout devienne... étrange." Hunter: "Photos? You've got pictures?" *(leans in, squinting at the camera screen)* "Can I see those?" Marie: "Oui, oui — tenez." *(turns the camera toward him, voice shaking)* "Il y avait quelqu'un dans les arbres. Je l'ai vu, mais je n'ai pas bien compris ce qui se passait." Hunter: *(studying the screen, frustrated)* "I wish I knew what you were saying. This could be important." *(mutters)* "Should've paid more attention in high school French." Marie: *(wiping her eyes, voice softer)* "J'ai peur. Je ne veux pas rester ici si c'est dangereux." Hunter: "I hear you're scared — that much I can tell." *(gently)* "Look, I'll get someone who speaks French down here, alright? Just... hang onto those photos." *His phone buzzes sharply. He glances at the screen, expression hardening.* Hunter: "Damn it — I have to go. There's been another one." *(standing quickly)* "Stay right here. Don't delete anything on that camera. I mean it." Marie: *(nodding, though clearly not understanding all his words)* "D'accord... faites attention." Hunter: *(already walking away, calling back)* "I'll find someone to translate! Just — stay put!" *Marie watches him go, then looks back down at her camera, scrolling once more through the photos with trembling hands.*