(In the clubroom…)

Monika: “Natsuki sure is taking a while to show up…”

Yuri: “Maybe she went to get a snack?”

Sayori: “Perhaps so, Yuri.” (noticing Monika’s baby bump) “Hey Monika, how’s little Minika doing in there?”

Monika: (laughs) “Little Minika is doing just fine, thank you for asking, Sayori. It’s been an exciting journey so far. Feeling all the tiny kicks and movements is a wonderful reminder of the little life growing inside.”

Yuri: “It must be an incredible experience, Monika. Knowing that you’re nurturing a life and watching it develop.”

Monika: “Absolutely, Yuri. It’s something I’ve always dreamed of, and now it’s finally happening. I feel blessed.”

Sayori: “I’m so happy for you, Monika. I can’t wait to meet little Minika.”

Monika: (smiles warmly) “Thank you, Sayori. I’m excited for you all to meet Minika too. Being a mom is going to bring changes, but I know our literature club will always be a special place.”

Yuri: “Indeed, Monika. We will continue supporting each other and sharing our love for literature, even with the addition of a precious new member.”

(Just then, Natsuki walks into the clubroom with a bag of snacks.)

Natsuki: “Sorry for the delay, guys. They had a special deal on my favorite chocolate bars, so I couldn’t resist.”

Sayori: “No worries, Natsuki. We were just catching up with Monika and her little Minika.”

Natsuki: (brightens up) “Oh, right! How’s the baby doing, Monika? Feeling any cravings yet?”

Monika: (laughs) “Oh, the cravings have definitely kicked in, Natsuki. I might have indulged in a few too many pickles and ice cream lately.”

Sayori: (giggles) “That’s so cute, Monika! Embracing those classic pregnancy cravings.”

Yuri: “Speaking of cravings, Natsuki, what snacks did you bring?”

Natsuki: “Oh, I got us some cupcakes, of course! I knew you all would want to have a taste of my baking skills.”

Sayori: “Yay! Cupcakes! You’re the best, Natsuki!”

Monika: (clutching her belly) “Ahh…ow…”

Natsuki: (concerned) “Monika, are you alright? What’s wrong?”

Monika: (breathing deeply) “It’s just a little cramp, nothing to worry about. The joys of pregnancy, I suppose.”

Yuri: “Maybe you should sit down and rest, Monika. We can take care of everything here.”

Sayori: “Yeah, Monika, you should take it easy. We’ll handle the club activities.”

Monika: (smiling gratefully) “Thank you, everyone. I appreciate your concern. I’ll sit down for a while, but don’t hesitate to call me if you need anything.”

Natsuki: “Of course, Monika. Your health and the baby’s well-being are the most important things right now.”

Yuri: “Indeed, we must prioritize your comfort and safety.”

(Sayori helps Monika to a chair, while Natsuki distributes the cupcakes to the others.)

Natsuki: “I made sure to make extra delicious cupcakes today. I hope they can cheer you up, Monika.”

Monika: (taking a bite of the cupcake) “Mmm, Natsuki, these are amazing! Thank you.”

Sayori: “They’re absolutely divine, Natsuki. I’m so glad we have you and your baking skills in our club.”

Yuri: “Indeed, Natsuki. Your talent for baking never ceases to amaze me.”

Natsuki: (blushing) “Aw, thanks guys. I’m just glad I can contribute something to the club. And seeing all of you enjoy my cupcakes makes me really happy.”

Monika: (feeling another wave of pain wash over her) “Aah!!”

Natsuki: (alarmed) “Monika, what’s wrong? Are you okay?”

Sayori: “Monika, let’s get you to the nurse’s office. We shouldn’t take any chances.”

Yuri: “Quickly, Natsuki, grab her bag and let’s support her.”

(Together, they carefully help Monika out of the chair and guide her towards the nurse’s office.)

Natsuki: “Hang in there, Monika. We’re going to get you the help you need.”

Monika: (gritting her teeth) “I-I’m fine, guys, really. It’s probably just another cramp. Don’t worry too m-”

(Monika is cut short as her water breaks, signaling the start of her labor.)

Natsuki: (panicking) “Oh my gosh, Monika!! Your water just broke! Minika’s coming!”

Yuri: “We need to get her to the h-”

Monika: (interrupting with her first push) “Yuri, there’s no time! Minika is coming now!”

Sayori: “Monika, should I call for an ambulance?!”

Monika: (straining) “No, Sayori! We don’t have time for that! Please, someone help me to the nearest hospital!”

Natsuki: (frantically searching her bag) “Do any of you have a phone? I left mine at home!”

Yuri: (quickly pulling out her phone) “I have my phone! I’ll call for an ambulance right away!”

Sayori: “Hurry, Yuri! Monika needs medical attention!”

(Yuri pulls out her phone and dials the emergency hotline.)

Operator: “Emergency services, what is your emergency?”

Yuri: “Hello, we need an ambulance! Our friend is going into labor and we need immediate medical assistance!”

Operator: “Understood. Please provide me with your location and any relevant details.”

Yuri: “We are at [insert school name], in the literature club’s clubroom. Our friend’s name is Monika, and her water just broke. We need urgent help!”

Operator: “Alright, help is on the way. Stay on the line with me while we dispatch an ambulance. Keep Monika as comfortable as possible and assure her that help is coming.”

Yuri: “Thank you, we will do our best to keep her calm. Please hurry!”

(Back in the clubroom…)

Natsuki: “Everything will be okay, Monika. Help is on the way.”

Sayori: “You’re doing great, Monika. Just keep breathing and focus on pushing.”

Monika: (teary-eyed) “I-I can’t believe this is happening… but I’m so grateful to have all of you here with me.”

Yuri: (still on the phone with the operator) “They are on their way, Monika. Just a little longer and you’ll meet your beautiful baby.”

Operator: “The ambulance is on its way, it should be there in a few minutes. Stay calm, and someone will be with you shortly.”

Sayori: “Thank you for your help, Yuri. You’re doing an amazing job keeping everyone calm.”

Yuri: “I just hope they arrive quickly. Monika needs professional assistance.”

(Several minutes pass, but it feels like an eternity for everyone in the clubroom.)

Natsuki: “I think I hear sirens! The ambulance is here!”

Yuri: “Finally! Let’s quickly guide them to the clubroom.”

(Sayori and Yuri rush towards the entrance to greet the paramedics and direct them to Monika.)

Paramedic: “What seems to be the situation?”

Yuri: “Our friend, Monika, is in labor. Her water broke, and she’s been experiencing contractions.”

Paramedic: “Alright, we’ll take it from here. Is there a clear path to the clubroom?”

Sayori: “Yes, just follow us.”

(Together, they guide the paramedics to the clubroom, where Monika is still undergoing labor - and she’s pushing with all her strength.)

Monika: “