(As I walked to the clubroom, I couldn’t believe what happened yesterday. MC, my childhood friend, had died. The news hit me like a ton of bricks. And as I entered the clubroom, I could see Monika and Himari discussing something. Kotonhoa was also there, and was moving a strange pool - it was round and pink. Yuri was there, too - she was filling the pool with warm water. I was confused as to what they were doing, but was even more confused as to where Natsuki was.)

Yuri: “And…that should be everything!”

Monika: “Great job, Yuri. I’ll set up the decorations now.”

Himari: “I’m so excited for this pool party! It’s going to be so much fun!”

Kotonoha: “I hope everyone likes my special punch!”

(I cleared my throat to let them know I was there.)

Sayori: (trying to keep my voice steady) “Hey guys.”

(They all turned to look at me with sad expressions.)

Monika: “Sayori, how are you holding up?”

Sayori: “I’m…not doing well. MC’s death is still a really hard pill to swallow.”

Yuri: “We understand, Sayori. We’re all grieving. But we thought it might be good to distract ourselves with a pool party.”

Himari: “Yeah! We’ll have food, drinks, music, and swimming! It’ll be a blast!”

Kotonoha: “And don’t forget my special punch! It’s delicious!”

Sayori: (forcing a smile) “That sounds like a lot of fun. But…I’m not sure I’m in the mood to party.”

Monika: “We understand, Sayori. But please, try to have some fun. It’s what MC would have wanted.”

Sayori: (nodding slowly) “Yeah…you’re right. MC was always the life of the party. He wouldn’t want us moping around.”

Himari: “That’s the spirit! Now, let’s get this party started!”

Yuri: “Hold on. Does anybody else notice a lack of somebody?”

Kotonoha: “You’re right, Yuri. Where’s Natsuki?”

Monika: “I haven’t seen her all day. Has anyone tried contacting her?”

Sayori: “I texted her earlier, but she hasn’t replied.”

Himari: “I hope she’s okay.”

(Just then, Natsuki burst into the room - and immediately got into the pool, putting a hand on her massive belly. I was thoroughly confused as to why.)

Natsuki: (panting) “Sorry guys, I’m late. I just had to take care of something important.”

Monika: “Natsuki, are you okay? You look exhausted.”

Natsuki: “I’m fine. Just a little tired.”

Yuri: “And why are you in the pool already?”

Natsuki: (looking down at her belly) “Oh this? I just wanted to cool off. It’s been really hot today.”

Kotonoha: “Natsuki, are you sure you’re okay? You seem a bit…different.”

Natsuki: (smiling) “I’m fine, Kotonoha. Just a little pregnant, that’s all.”

Himari: (gasping) “Pregnant? Natsuki, that’s amazing!”

Sayori: “Congratulations, Natsuki! That’s wonderful news!”

Monika: “We’re so happy for you!”

Yuri: “Yes, congratulations.”

Kotonoha: “I can’t wait to make some special punch for the baby shower!”

Natsuki: (in severe pain) “I-I-It’s a little too late for a baby shower, Kotonhoa.”

(We all looked at Natsuki, confused.)

Himari: “What do you mean, Natsuki? Are you not well?”

Natsuki: (gritting her teeth) “I’m in labor, you guys.”

Monika: (shocked) “Labor?! Oh my God, we need to get you to the hospital!”

Natsuki: “The contractions are too close together, Monika. I need to give birth right here, in the clubroom!”

(The rest of us sprang into action, trying to make the clubroom as comfortable as possible for Natsuki. Yuri brought towels and a pillow, while Kotonoha helped her to the ground.)

Sayori: “What do we do? None of us have any experience delivering a baby.”

Monika: “Maybe I should try and call an ambulance?”

Natsuki: (shaking her head) “No time for that. I need you guys to help me deliver this baby.”

Himari: “We’ll do anything we can to help, Natsuki.”

Yuri: “I read about childbirth once…maybe I can assist in some way.”

Monika: “I’ll try and keep you calm, Natsuki.”

Kotonoha: “I’ll get some water and snacks ready in case you need it.”

(Suddenly, Natsuki let out a loud scream, causing all of us to jump.)

Natsuki: (breathing heavily) “Okay, it’s time. Yuri, I need you to grab a clean towel and some warm water.”

(Yuri quickly followed Natsuki’s instructions, while the rest of us watched in awe.)

Sayori: “This is incredible.”

Monika: “It’s nerve-wracking, too.”

Himari: “But it’s also a miracle.”

Kotonoha: “I can’t believe we’re about to witness the miracle of life.”

(As the labor progressed, we all took turns assisting Natsuki - holding her hand, wiping her forehead, and encouraging her. And finally, after what felt like an eternity, a tiny baby emerged.)

Natsuki: (overjoyed) “He’s here! My little boy is finally here!”

(The rest of us were in tears at the sight of the beautiful, brand new life.)

Monika: “Congratulations, Natsuki. You did amazing.”

Himari: “He’s so cute and tiny.”

Kotonoha: “What’s his name?”

Natsuki: (smiling) “His name is MC.”

(Everyone looked at Natsuki with surprised expressions.)

Yuri: “MC…after our childhood friend?”

Natsuki: “Yes. I couldn’t think of a better name for my little boy than after my dear friend who I lost. I hope he grows up to be just like him.”

Sayori: “That’s so sweet, Natsuki.”

(We all took turns holding and cooing over baby MC, feeling grateful to have witnessed such a beautiful moment. And as we packed up the pool party decorations, we all knew that this day would be one that we would never forget. 7 years later, I went to see Natsuki and little MC - even though I was 39 weeks pregnant with triplets, and my labor was going to start soon. Natsuki welcomed me into her cozy home, where I was greeted by a rambunctious 7-year-old MC.)

MC: “Auntie Sayori! You’re here!”

Sayori: (laughing) “Hey there, kiddo! How’s my favorite little guy?”

MC: “I’m great! Look what I made in school today!”

(He proudly showed me a macaroni necklace he had made, and I pretended to be impressed. As Natsuki brought us some tea, I couldn’t help but admire her and what she had accomplished.)

Sayori: “Natsuki, you’re an amazing mom. How do you do it all?”

Natsuki: (smiling) “It’s not easy, but it’s worth it. MC is my everything. And after what happened with his dad, I knew I had to be strong for him.”

Sayori: “You’re such an inspiration, Natsuki. And look at him now - he’s so bright and full of life.”

Natsuki: “He really is. He’s growing up so fast.”

MC: “Mom, can Auntie Sayori stay for my bedtime story?”

Natsuki: (nodding) “Of course, honey.”

(So we settled on the couch, with MC snuggled between us. But while I was getting comfortable, I felt the first twinges of labor.)