(In the school literature clubroom…)

Monika: “Hey, everyone! Ready for the festival tomorrow?”

Yuri: “Yes, I’ve been looking forward to it. I have finished preparing my poems for the poetry reading.”

Sayori: “I’m excited too! I can’t wait to see everyone’s amazing creations.”

Natsuki: “Well, I guess it’ll be fun. I’ve been working hard on some new manga ideas to showcase.”

Monika: “That’s great to hear, Natsuki! Your creativity is always impressive.”

Sayori: “Monika, are you sure you’re not worried about anything? You seem so calm about everything…” (looking down at Monika’s belly) “…considering you’re in your 7th month of pregnancy.”

Monika: (smiling) “Well, I won’t deny that being pregnant does come with its own set of challenges. But I’ve been taking care of myself and getting plenty of rest, so I feel pretty good overall.”

Yuri: “I must say, Monika, you’re handling everything so gracefully. It’s inspiring to see your positive attitude.”

Monika: (blushing) “Thank you, Yuri. I appreciate your kind words. It’s been an interesting journey, but I believe in embracing every aspect of life, including motherhood.”

Natsuki: “Yeah, yeah, motherhood and all that mushy stuff. Just don’t go crazy and start writing baby poems or something. We still want you to be the Monika we know.”

Monika: (laughing) “Don’t worry, Natsuki. I promise to keep my poems diverse and interesting, with or without the baby theme.”

Sayori: “I’m sure whatever you come up with will be amazing, Monika. Your talent is boundless, after all.”

Monika: (grateful) “Thank you, Sayori. That means a lot to me. I can’t wait to share my poem with all of you tomorrow.”

Yuri: “And we can’t wait to hear it. It’ll be like a gift from the future, carrying the emotions of both motherhood and literature.”

Sayori: “Exactly! That’s why our literature club is so special. We support each other through all of life’s joys and challenges.”

Natsuki: “Yeah, yeah, I guess I can’t deny that. But don’t expect me to start writing deep stuff like you guys.”

Monika: (smiling) “No pressure, Natsuki. Just keep doing what you do best– …oh, no…not now…”

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

Monika: (wincing) “I think…I think my water just broke. It’s time.”

Yuri: “Oh my, it seems the baby isn’t waiting for the festival to arrive.”

Sayori: (panicking) “I-I-I-I can time the contractions! How far apart are they?”

Monika: “I’m not sure, they just started. But they’re definitely getting stronger.”

Natsuki: “Okay, we need to make sure Monika’s as comfortable as possible. Yuri, go grab some pillows and blankets. Sayori, time the contractions as best you can.”

Yuri: “Right away, Natsuki!” (Yuri quickly rushes out of the room and returns shortly with pillows and blankets)

Sayori: “Okay, Monika, just try to stay calm. I’ll time the contractions and let you know when they’re getting closer together.”

Natsuki: “Monika, do you have a plan for getting to the hospital?”

Monika: (taking deep breaths) “I…I hadn’t thought that far ahead. My husband is at work, and I don’t want to bother him just yet. But I’ll figure something out.”

Yuri: “Don’t worry, Monika. We’ll find a way to get you to the hospital. We’ll call for a taxi or an ambulance if we need to.”

Sayori: “Y-Yes! We’ll make sure you and the baby are safe, Monika.”

Monika: (smiling through the pain) “Thank you, everyone. I appreciate your support more than words can say.”

Natsuki: “Alright, let’s get Monika situated on the couch with the pillows and blankets. Yuri, could you also grab a glass of water for her?”

Yuri: “Of course, Natsuki.” (Yuri quickly leaves to get the water)

Sayori: “Monika, I’m going to start timing your contractions now. Just let me know when one starts and when it ends.”

Monika: “Okay, Sayori. I’ll do my best.”

Natsuki: “You’re doing great, Monika. Just focus on your breathing and stay as comfortable as possible.”

Monika: (grateful) “Thank you, Natsuki. I couldn’t ask for better friends in this moment.”

Yuri: (returning with a glass of water) “Here, Monika. You should try to stay hydrated.”

Monika: (taking the glass) “Thank you, Yuri. I’ll do my best to drink.”

Sayori: “Monika, the contractions are about five minutes apart now. The baby should be coming soon.”

Monika: (nodding) “Okay, thank you, Sayori. We need to get to the hospital as soon as possible.”

Natsuki: “I’ll call for a taxi right away. Just hold on, Monika.”

Monika: (gritting her teeth) “I’ll try. Just hurry, please.”

(Yuri, Natsuki, and Sayori quickly gather their things and help Monika to the door. They make their way downstairs to the entrance of the school.)

Yuri: “The taxi should be here any minute now.”

Natsuki: “Hang in there, Monika. We’re almost there.”

Monika: (clutching her stomach) “I can’t believe this is happening. It’s all so surreal.”

Sayori: “You’re doing so well, Monika. Just keep taking deep breaths.”

(Just as the taxi arrives, Monika’s water breaks fully - signaling she’s now in active labor, and the baby isn’t