(In the clubroom…)

Monika: “Wait a minute…where’s Natsuki?”

Sayori: “I honestly don’t know.”

Yuri: “No idea.”

Monika: “Yuri, Sayori, can you go look for her? I’ll just…stay here.”

Sayori: “Of course, Monika! We’ll find her.”

Yuri: “Yes, we’ll search the school grounds and see if she’s anywhere nearby. Let’s go, Sayori.”

(Sayori and Yuri leave the clubroom and start searching for Natsuki. Once the two girls are gone, Monika rubs her belly lovingly - eagerly awaiting the arrival of her unborn daughter; Minika.)

Monika: (whispering to herself) “Soon, Minika…soon, I’ll be able to hold you in my arms. I can’t wait to meet you, my little girl.”

(As if responding to Monika’s voice, her belly ripples slightly.)

Monika: “Aww, you’re so active today, aren’t you, Minika? You must be excited too, huh? Just a little while longer, and we’ll finally be together. I’ll be the best mommy I can be for you, I promise. I can’t wait for you to meet my friends.”

(Inside the school…)

Sayori: “Do you think Natsuki might be in the cafeteria? She did mention being hungry earlier.”

Yuri: “It’s worth checking. Let’s head over there first.”

(They walk towards the cafeteria, scanning the room for any sign of Natsuki. Finally, they spot her sitting alone at a table, her head resting on her arms.)

Sayori: “Natsuki! There you are!”

(Natsuki looks up, wiping away a few stray tears from her eyes.)

Natsuki: “Oh, hey guys. What are you doing here?”

Yuri: “Monika sent us to look for you. We were worried when you didn’t show up at the club.”

Sayori: “Is everything okay, Natsuki?”

(Natsuki hesitates for a moment, then sighs.)

Natsuki: “I’ve been having a rough day… Is it alright if I talk to you guys about it?”

(Sayori and Yuri exchange concerned glances before nodding.)

Yuri: “Of course, Natsuki. We’re here for you.”

(Back in the clubroom…)

Monika: (smiling at her belly) “I hope the girls find Natsuki soon. They can be such good friends for you, Minika. They’ll be there for you, just like they’ve always been for me.”

(Monika strokes her belly gently, filled with anticipation and love.)

Monika: “We’re going to have such a wonderful journey together, my sweet Minika. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for us.”

(Suddenly, Monika’s water breaks - signaling that she was going into preterm labor.)

Monika: (gasping) “Oh no! It’s time! Minika, it’s time for you to come into the world. Hang on, baby, I’m going to get help right away!”

(Monika quickly grabs her bag, rushing out of the clubroom. She frantically searches for someone to assist her with the delivery - all while the labor is progressing much faster than normal.)

Monika: “Please, someone help! My baby’s coming!”

(Despite Monika looking for anyone to help her out, nobody seems to come to her.)

(In the cafeteria…)

Natsuki: “I just…I had a fight with my dad this morning. He said some really hurtful things and…I just couldn’t take it anymore. I needed some time alone.”

Yuri: “I’m so sorry, Natsuki. That sounds really tough. You don’t deserve to be treated that way.”

Sayori: “We’re here for you, Natsuki. You’re not alone. Can we do anything to help?”

Natsuki: “Thank you, guys. Just…having you listen and support me means a lot. I think I just need some time to process everything.”

Yuri: “Of course, take all the time you need. And remember, we’re just a phone call away if you ever need to talk.”

Natsuki: (smiling weakly) “Thanks, Yuri. Thanks, Sayori. You’re both amazing friends.”

(Back in the clubroom…)

Monika: (in intense pain) “Somebody…please…help!”

(Monika’s desperate cries echo through the empty halls, but still, she can’t find anyone to assist her. She knows she doesn’t have much time left.)

Monika: (starting to push) “AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!! IT’S HAPPENING!!! MINIKA’S COMING!!!”

(Monika continues to push, her cries growing louder and more desperate with each passing moment. She can feel the pressure building, as her body prepares to bring her daughter into the world. But still, no one comes to help her.)

Monika: (in a mix of pain and desperation) “Somebody…anybody…please, help me! I can’t do this alone! Minika, please be strong for mommy!”

(As Monika’s voice breaks with tears, she dials the emergency services - all while pushing with each contraction.)