(In the school literature clubroom…)

Monika: “Just keep breathing, Sayori, the ambulance should be here soon.” (turning towards Natsuki - who’s timing Sayori’s contractions) “Are they getting any closer?”

Natsuki: (checking her stopwatch) “Yeah, they’re definitely more frequent now. About four minutes apart.”

Monika: (placing a comforting hand on Sayori’s shoulder) “You’re doing great, Sayori. Just hang in there a little longer.”

Sayori: (gritting her teeth) “I-I’m trying, Monika. This pain…it’s intense.”

Yuri: (entering the room with a towel and a glass of water) “Here, Sayori. Drink some water and let me put this cold towel on your forehead. It may help with the discomfort.”

Sayori: (nodding weakly) “Th-thank you, Yuri.”

Monika: (glancing at the entrance) “Where is that ambulance?”

Natsuki: “I’ll call them again.”

(Natsuki takes out her phone and dials the emergency hotline.)

Monika: (rubbing Sayori’s back) “We’re all here for you, Sayori. You’re not alone.”

Sayori: (taking a deep breath) “I know, Monika. I couldn’t ask for better friends.”

Yuri: (trying to distract Sayori) “Um, would you like me to read something while we wait for the ambulance? Maybe a poem to take your mind off things?”

Sayori: (smiling weakly) “That sounds nice, Yuri. Please go ahead.”

Yuri: (clearing her throat) “All right. This one is called ‘A Breath of Life’…”

(As Yuri begins reading, the atmosphere in the room shifts. The focus on Sayori’s pain starts to diminish, replaced by the soothing rhythm of words. Time seems to slow down, creating a moment of respite amidst the chaos. All of a sudden, Sayori lets out a loud cry, interrupting Yuri’s reading. Everyone freezes in place, their attention fully on Sayori.)

Monika: (concerned) “Sayori, what’s wrong?”

Sayori: (struggling to catch her breath) “I…I think…it’s time…I have to push!”

Monika: (placing a hand on Sayori’s arm) “Okay, Sayori. Just take deep breaths and push when you feel ready. We’re right here with you.”

Natsuki: (quickly getting up) “I’ll go get some towels and blankets to make sure everything is ready.”

Yuri: (nervously flipping through a book) “I-I remember reading about this in one of my books. We need to make sure everything is clean and sterile.”

Monika: (encouragingly) “Don’t worry, Yuri. We’ll make sure everything is as safe as possible. Just focus on supporting Sayori.”

(Sayori takes a deep breath and starts pushing with guidance from Monika.)

Sayori: (gritting her teeth) “It hurts, but I can do this. I can do this! I won’t stop pushing until my baby arrives safely!”

(Monika, Natsuki, and Yuri rally around Sayori, providing support, towels, and blankets as needed. They cheer her on, offering words of encouragement and reassurance throughout the labor process.)

Monika: (holding onto Sayori’s hand) “You’re doing amazing, Sayori. You’re so strong. Just a little bit more, and you’ll get to meet your baby.”

Natsuki: (placing a gentle hand on Sayori’s back) “You’ve got this, Sayori. Keep pushing. We’re here for you every step of the way.”

Yuri: (bringing a warm washcloth to wipe Sayori’s forehead) “Remember to breathe, Sayori. Focus on your breaths. You’re almost there. You’re going to be a wonderful mother.”

(Sayori pushes with all her might, fueled by the love and support of her friends. After what feels like an eternity, a cry fills the air.)

Sayori: (teary-eyed, her voice filled with joy) “I did it! My baby is here!” (holding her newborn closer) “Hey there, my little one. I think I’ll name you…Sachiko.”