(In the school literature clubroom…)

Monika: “There! Everything’s all set up for today’s meeting. Now we just need Yuri.”

Natsuki: “Ugh, she’s probably lost in her own world again. You know how she gets when she’s caught up in a book.”

Sayori: “Maybe she got really into a story and forgot the time! We should go check on her, right?”

Monika: “We could, but let’s give her a few more minutes. She might just be running late. Besides, I want to make sure today’s meeting goes smoothly.”

Natsuki: “Smoothly? Are you sure that’s possible when we have to deal with her dramatic poetry again?”

Sayori: “I think Yuri’s poetry is really beautiful! It has a way of touching your heart.”

Monika: “Exactly, Sayori! And it’s important to give everyone a chance to share their work. Each member has something unique to contribute. Also, thankfully, I made these chairs extra-comfortable. My back hurts from how big my belly has gotten these past 7 months. I didn’t realize how difficult it would be to sit for long periods while pregnant.”

Natsuki: “Yeah, well, I still think most of her stuff is too dark. Can’t she write something more…I don’t know, fun?”

Sayori: “But dark poetry can be fun too! It’s all about what you find interesting, right? Plus, I think it helps her express her feelings. That’s what writing is about!”

Monika: “Exactly, Sayori. It’s a safe space for all of us. And Natsuki, I think there’s beauty in those emotions, even if they’re not always happy ones. They can resonate deeply.”

Natsuki: “Fine, I get it. But if she starts going on about some creepy monster again, I might just lose it.”

Sayori: “You’ll just have to appreciate the creativity! Besides, aren’t you working on a new manga? I bet there’s a lot of emotional depth in that too!”

Natsuki: “Well, yeah, but it’s different! Manga has action and fun characters. Yuri’s stuff just feels like a funeral sometimes.”

Monika: (chuckles, rubbing her belly gently) “Just think of it as the different shades of our experiences. The club is about exploring all those aspects together, whether it’s upbeat or a little more somber.”

Sayori: “Yeah! Just like life, right? We have our happy moments, and sometimes we have sad ones. Creating art helps us understand those feelings better.”

Natsuki: “I guess that makes sense. I just wish she’d lighten up a little. Maybe add some cute cupcakes or something into her poems!”

Monika: “Now that would be a fun twist! Imagine a poem about a monster that just loves cupcakes. It could be both creepy and cute!”

Sayori: “Ooh! I’d love to read that! I can totally picture a fluffy monster sneaking into a bakery!”

Natsuki: “Now you’re making me want to write a poem too! It’s probably a monster who gets distracted by cupcakes instead of chasing after people.”

Monika: “See? That’s the kind of creative thinking I love! Everyone can bring their own spin to it, even with such different styles.”

(Just then, the door creaks open, and Yuri steps in, holding a book tightly to her chest.)

Yuri: “Oh, um… I apologize for being late. I got caught up in my reading.”

Sayori: “No worries, Yuri! We were just talking about you!”

Yuri: (blushing slightly) “Oh? I hope it was something good…”

Natsuki: “Well, we were kind of debating about your poetry style. I was just saying that it can be a bit too dark sometimes.”

Yuri: “I see… I understand that my work might not appeal to everyone. But I write from the heart.”

Monika: “And that’s what makes it special! We were just saying how each of us brings something unique to the club. Your poems allow us to explore feelings that are often hard to express- OW!!!”

(Monika winces as she suddenly shifts her position.)

Sayori: “Monika, are you okay?!”

Monika: “I’m fine, just… a little cramp, I think. It’s all part of this wonderful journey of pregnancy, right?”

Sayori: “Oh no! Do you need to sit down or something? Maybe we can get you some water?”

Natsuki: “Yeah, Monika, don’t just brush it off if it’s hurting. You have to take care of yourself!”

Yuri: (walking closer with concern) “You should definitely rest if you’re feeling uncomfortable. Would you like me to get you something? I can go grab some tension-relief tea from the staff room.”

Monika: “Thank you, Yuri, but really, it’s just a little cramp. I’ll be okay. I’m just letting my body adjust to all the changes- AAH!!!”

(Monika gasps again, gripping the edge of the table as another cramp hits her.)

Sayori: “Monika! That doesn’t sound like just a little cramp! You should really sit down or see the nurse!”

Natsuki: “Okay, okay! I’m not a doctor, but that doesn’t sound normal! Like, it’s kind of scary!”

Yuri: (her eyes widening) “You really should take this seriously. How far along are you? I can help you with some relaxation techniques if you want.”

Monika: (breathing deeply) “I appreciate your concern, everyone. I’ll sit down for a moment… I just thought—I didn’t want to interrupt the meeting… or worry you.”

Sayori: “Monika, your health is way more important than the meeting! We can always reschedule if we need to!”

Natsuki: “Yeah, seriously! We can make cupcakes together or something while we wait for you to feel better. Just don’t push yourself.”

Yuri: “I can run and grab that tea now, and… um… I’ll also bring some blankets. Keeping warm might help ease the cramps.”

Monika: (smiling softly) “Thank you, everyone. You’re all so sweet. I just… I guess I was trying to be strong and keep things moving forward.”

Sayori: “And we love how strong you are, Monika! But it’s okay to lean on us when you need to. We’re a team!”

Natsuki: “Right. You’re basically the heart of this club. We want you around for a long time, so take care of yourself!”

Monika: (taking a deep breath) “I’ll take it easy. I promise.”

(She gently sits down in a chair and rests her hands on her belly.)

Yuri: “Let me know if you feel any worse, okay? I’ll be right back with the tea.”

Monika: “Thank you, Yuri. I appreciate that.”

Sayori: “While she’s getting that, Natsuki, what about sharing some of your manga with us? I’d love to hear about it!”

Natsuki: “Oh, um… well, I guess I could read a chapter or two. It’s not ready for a full reveal yet, though.”

Monika: “That sounds great! I’d love to hear more about your characters. We can definitely fill the time with your creativity- AGH!!!”

(Monika winces again, her breath catching as another cramp seizes her.)

Sayori: “Monika! Are you sure you’re okay?!”