(As I sat there in my room, I began to work on a drawing of some of my fellow club members as dragons - Sayori as a Sentinel, Yuri as a Deathgripper, Monika as a Night Fury, Sucrose as a Timberjack, Collei as a Snaptrapper, Himari as a Changewing, Kohana as a Whispering Death, and I even included my true Stormcutter form. That’s when I heard someone - it was my “dad”. Of course, he isn’t really my dad - I just call him that. His real name is Masao.)

Masao: “Natsuki, can I talk with you for a moment?”

(I quickly ran downstairs, ignoring the fact my Stormcutter form’s tail is still visible.)

Natsuki: “Sure, what’s up?”

Masao: “I just wanted to check on how you’re doing. I know school and the club have been keeping you busy, and I want to make sure you’re taking care of yourself.”

Natsuki: “Oh, yeah, I’m doing okay. Thanks for checking in.”

Masao: “Good to hear. And I have to say, that drawing you’re working on is looking really impressive. You’re really talented.”

Natsuki: “Thanks, Masao. I’m trying my best.”

Masao: “Well, keep it up. And if you ever need to talk or if anything is bothering you, don’t hesitate to come to me.”

Natsuki: “I will. Thanks for being there for me, Masao.”

Masao: “Of course, Natsuki. You’re like family to me.”

(I smiled at Masao’s words, grateful for the support system I had in my life. As I turned back to my drawing, I felt a renewed sense of inspiration and motivation to keep creating and pursuing my passions. And as I finally finished the drawing, I suddenly got a phone call - it was from Sayori. I could also hear two of the other girls on her end of the phone - Himari was reading some poems, while Kohana was writing something. But then I could hear Monika screaming in pain - and she was saying things like “It’s too early”, “I’m not due yet”, and “I should have cancelled the meeting today”. Sucrose and Collei were trying to comfort Monika, while Yuri was reading “Portrait of Markov”. She really needs to take time off that book. Judging from how Monika was talking, the call was coming from the clubroom.)

Natsuki: “Sayori, what’s going on?! Is Monika okay?!”

Sayori: “Natsuki, I’m sorry. I think Monika is going into labor.”

Natsuki: “What?! We need to call an ambulance!”

Sayori: “Already on it. But we’re in the middle of a snowstorm, and the roads are really bad. We don’t know how long it’s going to take for them to get here.”

Natsuki: “Okay, okay. Just stay calm, Sayori. We’re all here for Monika.”

Himari: “I’m trying to keep her comfortable, but she’s in a lot of pain.”

Collei: “Sucrose and I are doing our best to help, but we don’t know much about giving birth.”

Yuri: “Should I keep reading this poem? I don’t think it’s helping.”

Natsuki: “No, Yuri, put it down. Just try to keep Monika calm.”

Sayori: “Natsuki, can you come to the clubroom? Monika wants you there.”

Natsuki: “I’ll be there as soon as I can.”

(I quickly put on my coat and ran out the door, my heart racing with worry and fear. As I trudged through the snow, I felt a deep sense of responsibility and love for my club members. They were my family, and I would do anything to protect them and care for them. Finally, I reached the clubroom, and I burst inside to find Monika lying on the couch, surrounded by the rest of the girls.)

Monika: “Natsuki, thank god you’re here. I need you.”

Natsuki: “I’m here, Monika. I’m not going anywhere.”

(Suddenly, Monika let out a loud scream, and I could see her body convulsing with pain. I felt my heart racing, and my hands shaking as I tried to help. But then I remembered something my grandma used to say. She told me that in scary or stressful situations, you have to focus on your breathing. It helps to calm you down, to slow your heart, to clear your mind. So I took a deep breath, and I looked around the room.)

Natsuki: “Okay, guys. Listen up. We need to work together to help Monika. Sucrose and Collei, try to keep her warm and comfortable. Sayori, call the hospital again, and tell them we need help now. Yuri, forget the book - just focus on keeping Monika calm. Himari, can you get some towels and water?”

(As we all worked together to care for Monika, I felt a sense of peace settle over me. I knew that no matter what happened, we had each other’s backs. We were a family, and nothing could break us apart.)

Collei: “Guys, I just got a call from the hospital. They’re full right now.”