Run: 2026-10-06-01M48VXQDHJSTV7RH8SX49EJX7

**VOICE SHEET: "The Café Encounter"** --- **Melanie:** *(softly, to herself, reviewing photos on her camera screen)* "Nein... das kann nicht sein..." **Hunter:** *(approaching her table, badge visible)* "Excuse me, miss? I'm Detective Hunter. I'm investigating some disappearances in town. I was wondering if you might have seen anything unusual near the orchard district last Tuesday?" **Melanie:** *(startled, camera clutched to her chest, looking up with wide eyes)* "Oh! Entschuldigung—äh, I mean—sorry, I didn't—" **Hunter:** *(leaning forward, patient but firm)* "I know, I know. I'm not great with languages. But I need to ask: were you near Miller's Apple Orchard on October 12th? Around 4 PM?" **Melanie:** *(voice trembling, switching rapidly between German and broken attempts at English)* "Der Obstgarten? Ja, ich war dort... I was there, yes. Mit meiner Kamera. Für mein Studium—for my studies, the light was so beautiful, golden hour..." **Hunter:** *(frowning, glancing at her camera)* "You took pictures? Can I see?" **Melanie:** *(hesitating, then slowly turning the camera screen toward him)* "Hier... look. The old barn. So peaceful, no? So... *friedlich*." **Hunter:** *(studying the photo, then another, his expression darkening)* "This barn. It's been empty for three years. Boarded up. But your photo... the door's open. And there's something in the window." **Melanie:** *(pulling the camera back, hugging it protectively)* "I didn't see anyone. I was alone. I promise. But... *(whispering)* ...I heard something. After. A sound like... like someone running. Through the corn." **Hunter:** *(straightening, hand moving toward his radio)* "You should have come to us immediately. Did you tell anyone else?" **Melanie:** *(shaking her head, eyes glistening)* "I thought... I thought I imagined it. I am new here. I don't speak your language well. Who would believe me? A student with a camera, taking pretty pictures..." **Hunter:** *(softening slightly, though his jaw remains tight)* "You did the right thing coming forward now. Can you describe anyone? Anything?" **Melanie:** *(voice dropping to barely a whisper)* "A shadow. Tall. Dark clothing. But I did not see a face. I was too afraid to look too long. I ran. I am sorry, I am so sorry..." **Hunter:** *(checking his watch, tension returning)* "I need your contact information. And I need you to come to the station tomorrow. With your camera. We'll need those photos." **Melanie:** *(nodding quickly, relieved and terrified all at once)* "Ja, of course. I will come. I want to help. These people... they are missing. Like ghosts." **Hunter:** *(standing, hand raised in a half-salute)* "Detective Hunter. And... thank you. For speaking up." **Melanie:** *(standing too, camera still clutched close)* "You're welcome. But... *(hesitating)* ...be careful, Detective. That place. That barn. It felt... *böse*. Evil. I don't know the word in English." **Hunter:** *(pausing at the edge of the table, something flickering across his face)* "Evil. Yeah. I know that word." **Hunter's PHONE:** *(suddenly buzzing, shrill and insistent)* **Hunter:** *(answering, voice hardening instantly)* "Hunter. ...What? Another one? *(glancing at Melanie, jaw tightening)* ...I'm on my way. Keep the scene secure." **Hunter:** *(to Melanie, urgent)* "I have to go. Station. Tomorrow. Nine AM. Don't be late." **Melanie:** *(backing against her chair, fear replacing relief)* "Ja. Nine. I will be there. *(quietly, almost to herself)* Bitte... find them. Find them before..." **Hunter:** *(already turning away, then pausing)* "Before what?" **Melanie:** *(meeting his eyes, the weight of what she saw settling in her voice)* "Before the apples fall. The festival is soon. And I think... I think something is waiting for it." **Hunter:** *(staring at her for a long moment, then nodding once)* "I'll be in touch, Miss...?" **Melanie:** "Melanie. Melanie Weber." **Hunter:** *(walking away, into the afternoon light)* "Melanie. Don't go near that orchard again. Promise me." **Melanie:** *(calling after him, voice breaking)* "I promise! I promise!" --- **[END SCENE]**