(As I sat by the hospital bed, I couldn’t believe what was happening. MC, my childhood friend, was dying. Ever since he got in that accident, I was praying that he would be okay. And then, I took one last look at me.)

MC: “Sayori…you were the best friend I’ve had since childhood. And…tell my little sister Himari that I’ll miss her.”

(Tears rolled down my cheek as I looked into MC’s eyes.)

Sayori: “Thank you, MC. I’ll do my best for you. Himari will miss you too, but she’ll always remember you in her heart.”

MC: “I’m glad. And please, don’t forget about me. Remember the good times we had together, and keep smiling, okay?”

Sayori: “I won’t forget you, MC. I promise. And I’ll try to keep smiling for you.”

(MC weakly gave me a smile before he closed his eyes for the final time. I held onto his hand, not wanting to let go. It was a painful goodbye, but I knew that MC was at peace now. I silently made a vow to always cherish his memory and to never forget the impact he had on my life. The day after his funeral, I went back to the clubroom. I could see some of the other girls - namely Yuri, Monika, Himari, and Kohana - all discussing something. But the nearby pool full of warm water is a little odd - why is it here? And where was Natsuki?)

Sayori: “Hey, girls. What’s going on?”

Yuri: “Oh, Sayori. We were just discussing something important.”

Monika: “Yes, we were thinking about how we could honor MC’s memory.”

Sayori: “That’s a great idea. What were you thinking?”

Kohana: “Well, we thought that we could create a special book filled with our memories of MC.”

Sayori: “That’s a wonderful idea.”

(Just then, Natsuki walked in, and immediately got into the pool. I was visibly confused as to why. But what confused me even more was her response.)

Natsuki: “Well…it certainly helps with the birthing pains. Ooh…I think I feel the head coming through!”

(I stared at Natsuki, not sure of what to say.)

Yuri: “Um…Natsuki, what are you talking about?”

Natsuki: “Isn’t it obvious? I’m giving birth!”

Kohana: “Natsuki, you’re not pregnant…”

Natsuki: “What? But I was sure that’s what the doctor said!”

Monika: “Natsuki, maybe you should go see a doctor again…”

(Natsuki pouted and got out of the pool, muttering to herself. I couldn’t help but chuckle at the absurdity of it all.)

Sayori: “Well, that’s certainly one way to lighten the mood.”

Kohana: “Yes, let’s get back to discussing MC’s memory book. Sayori, would you be willing to help us with it?”

Sayori: “Of course. I want to do everything I can to honor MC’s memory.”

(And so, we all worked together to create the special book for MC. We filled it with stories, photos, and memories of our time spent together. It was our way of keeping his memory alive, and it helped us all heal from the pain of losing him. Even though he was no longer with us, MC’s spirit would live on in the memories we shared. Suddenly, I got a call from the hospital - it was about Natsuki.)

Sayori: “Sorry girls, I have to take this call. Hello?”

Nurse: “Hello, is this Sayori?”

Sayori: “Yes, it is. Is everything okay?”

Nurse: “Yes, we have Natsuki here. She came in saying that you and your friends didn’t believe she was pregnant.”