(In the school literature clubroom…)

Monika: “Sayori, your poem was amazing!”

Sayori: “Aw, thank you Monika! I’m glad you liked it. I tried to make it really heartfelt.”

Monika: “You definitely succeeded. I could feel the emotions pouring out of every line, and the imagery was beautiful.”

Yuri: “I have to agree with Monika. Your poem resonated with me as well, Sayori. The way you expressed your thoughts and feelings was very moving.”

Natsuki: (rubbing her baby bump, feeling the kicks of her unborn daughter - Sakura) “Yeah, yeah, it wasn’t bad, I guess. But it was a bit too cheesy for my taste.”

Sayori: “Oh, um…I’m sorry if it wasn’t your cup of tea, Natsuki. I just write what comes from the heart.”

Natsuki: “Yeah, I get that. It’s just not really my thing. But I’m sure there are people who appreciate that kind of sappy stuff-” (clutching her belly tightly) “AAH!!!”

Monika: “Natsuki, are you okay? What’s wrong?”

Natsuki: (breathing heavily) “I-I don’t know…I…I think there’s something wrong with Sakura.”

Sayori: “Oh my goodness, Natsuki! Are you in pain? Should we call an ambulance?”

Yuri: “Take deep breaths, Natsuki. We’ll figure out what’s going on. Is there anything we can do to help?”

Monika: “Let’s not panic, but we should definitely get Natsuki some medical attention. Sayori, can you call the school nurse or the principal?”

(Sayori nods and quickly reaches for her phone, dialing the school nurse’s number as Yuri assists Natsuki to sit down and tries to calm her down.)

Natsuki: “It hurts…it really hurts…”

(Sayori gets through to the school nurse and explains the situation. The nurse immediately informs them that she will be on her way to the literature clubroom. Meanwhile, Yuri continues to comfort Natsuki as best as she can.)

Yuri: “Just try to take slow and steady breaths, Natsuki. The nurse is on her way. Everything will be okay.”

Natsuki: (teary-eyed) “I’m scared, Yuri. What if something’s really wrong?”

Monika: “Just stay calm, Natsuki. We’re here for you, and help is on the way. Try to focus on your breathing and think positive thoughts.”

Sayori: (ends her call with the nurse) “She’s on her way, guys. Just hold on, Natsuki. You’re going to be okay.”

(Natsuki continues to endure the pain while the rest of the club keeps a watchful eye on her. After a tense few minutes, the school nurse bursts into the clubroom.)

School Nurse: “What seems to be the problem?”

Yuri: “Natsuki is experiencing intense pain in her abdomen, and she’s pregnant. We’re worried something might be wrong with the baby.”

School Nurse: “Alright, let’s assess the situation. Natsuki, can you describe the pain to me? Is it constant or does it come in waves?”

Natsuki: (wincing) “It’s…it’s like cramps, but sharper…and it comes and goes.”

School Nurse: “Okay. I need to check your vital signs and conduct a physical examination. Is that alright?”

Natsuki: (nodding) “Please…just make sure Sakura is okay.”

(The school nurse proceeds to examine Natsuki, checking her blood pressure, heart rate, and carefully palpating her abdomen. After a thorough assessment, she provides her initial diagnosis.)

School Nurse: “Natsuki, from what I can tell, your baby seems to be moving normally, and your vital signs are stable. However, I would still like to take you to the hospital for further evaluation and monitoring, just to be safe.”

Natsuki: (relieved) “Thank goodness. Just as long as Sakura is okay, I’ll do whatever you suggest. Can someone come with me?”

Monika: “Of course, Natsuki. We’ll all go with you to the hospital. Your well-being and your baby’s health are our top priority.”

(Sayori holds Natsuki’s hand as they help her stand up. Together, they leave the clubroom, a mix of concern and hope in their hearts.)

(On the way to the hospital…)

Natsuki: “Guys…they’re getting worse…”

Sayori: “Hang in there, Natsuki. We’re almost at the hospital. Just hold on a little longer.”

Yuri: “Try to take deep breaths, Natsuki. We’re here with you every step of the way.”

Monika: “Once we get to the hospital, the doctors will be able to help you and make sure Sakura is safe. Stay strong.”

Natsuki: (clenching her fists) “I’m trying… I just want this pain to go away. Please, please let Sakura be alright.”

(Soon, they arrive at the hospital and rush Natsuki into the emergency room. The doctors and nurses quickly assess her situation and take her into a room for further examination.)

Doctor: “We’ll do everything we can to make sure your baby is safe, Natsuki. Just try to stay calm.”

Natsuki: (tearfully) “Please save her… I can’t bear the thought of losing her.”

(The doctors work swiftly, performing tests and ultrasounds to determine the cause of Natsuki’s pain. The rest of the literature club waits anxiously outside, supporting each other through this difficult time.)

Yuri: “Let’s try to stay positive, everyone. Natsuki and Sakura are strong; they’ll pull through.”

Sayori: “I’m praying so hard for Natsuki and Sakura. They deserve a happy outcome.”

Monika: “We’ve come together as a club to support Natsuki and Sakura. Let’s keep hoping for the best.”

(After what feels like an eternity, the doctor finally comes out to update them.)

Doctor: “Natsuki, it looks like you’re starting to have some premature contractions. However, the ultrasound shows that Sakura is still doing well and is not in immediate danger. We will need to monitor you closely and take precautions to prevent further contractions and potential premature birth.”

Natsuki: (sighs in relief) “Thank goodness. As long as Sakura is safe, I can handle anything.”

Doctor: “Yes, Natsuki. We will do everything possible to ensure the best outcome for both you and your baby. You will need to stay in the hospital for observation and receive medication to stop the contractions. We will keep a close eye on Sakura’s development as well.”

Monika: “Natsuki, we’ll be right here with you, supporting you through this. You’re not alone.”

Sayori: “And we’ll make sure to bring you all the manga and sweets you need to keep your spirits up!”

Yuri: “Indeed. We will be here for you, Natsuki. Lean on us whenever you need.”

Natsuki: (smiling weakly) “Thank you, everyone. I don’t know what I would do without you all.”

(And so, the literature club continues to rally around Natsuki during her hospital stay. They take turns visiting her, bringing her comfort and encouragement, and cheering her on as she bravely faces the challenges that come with a high-risk pregnancy. Together, they form a strong support system, reminding Natsuki that she is loved and that they will be there for her every step of the way. However, Natsuki’s contractions continue, with no sign of stopping.)

(Several days later…)

Natsuki: (breathing heavily, in the hospital bed) “I can’t believe the contractions won’t stop…it’s so painful…”

Yuri: (holding Natsuki’s hand) “I know it’s tough, Natsuki, but you’re doing amazing. Just remember to breathe and stay as calm as you can. We’re all right here with you.”

Sayori: (squeezing Natsuki’s other hand) “We believe in you, Natsuki! You’re a strong girl, and you and Sakura will get through this together.”

Monika: (placing a gentle hand on Natsuki’s shoulder) “You’re not alone, Natsuki. We’re here to support you no matter what happens. You’ve got this.”

Natsuki: (teary-eyed) “Thank you, everyone…I don’t know what I would do without you. I’ll keep fighting…for Sakura.”

(Suddenly, the doctor rushes into the room.)

Doctor: “Natsuki, it looks like the contractions are not subsiding, and Sakura’s heart rate is showing signs of distress. We’ll need to perform an emergency c-section as soon as possible.”

Natsuki: (worried) “Is Sakura going to be okay?”

Doctor: “We’ll do everything we can to ensure both you and Sakura come out of this healthy. The surgical team is preparing for the operation. You’ll be in good hands.”

Monika: “Natsuki, try to stay strong. The doctors and nurses here are highly skilled. We’ll be praying for you and Sakura, t-”

Natsuki: (feeling a sudden warmth stream down her legs) “I think my water just broke!”

Doctor: “Alright, Natsuki, we’re going to take you to the operating room right away. Let’s get you prepped for the c-”

Natsuki: (interrupting the doctor) “Forget the c-section! I can feel the baby coming! I need to push!”

Doctor: “Natsuki, the situation is critical. We need to perform the c-section immediately to minimize risks to both you a-”

(Just before the doctor could finish, Natsuki lets out a loud scream as she feels an intense pressure and an overwhelming urge to push.)

Doctor: (to the nurses) “