(In the clubroom…)

Sayori: “Phew! Made it.”

Natsuki: “Oh! Hey, Sayori! How’s it going?”

Sayori: “Hey, Natsuki! I’m doing pretty good, thanks. Just had to rush here after my last club meeting ended.”

Natsuki: “Ah, I see. Well, glad you could make it. We were just about to start discussing the plans for the festival.”

Sayori: “Oh, perfect timing then! I’m excited to hear everyone’s ideas. The festival is always so much fun.”

Yuri: “Indeed, the festival is a wonderful opportunity for us to showcase our literature club’s work and attract new members. I’ve been brainstorming some ideas for a special poetry reading event.”

(Eventually, Monika finally arrives at the clubroom.)

Monika: (holding her 9-month bump with her hand) “Sorry for being late, everyone! I had to meet with the student council to discuss some logistics for the festival.” (feeling sharp pain in her lower abdomen) “Ow…”

Natsuki: “Monika, is your baby alright?”

Monika: (wincing in pain) “I’m not sure, Natsuki. These pains have been happening on and off lately. I think I need to go see the nurse or maybe even the doctor.”

Yuri: “Monika, you should definitely get yourself checked. We’ll handle the festival planning while you take care of yourself and the baby.”

Sayori: “Absolutely! Your health and the baby’s well-being come first, Monika. We’ll make sure everything runs smoothly for the festival.”

Natsuki: “Yeah, don’t worry about it, Monika. Just focus on getting yourself checked and taking care of the baby. We’ll handle the rest.”

Monika: (gratefully) “Thank you, everyone. I appreciate your understanding. I’ll go see the nurse now and keep you all updated.”

(Soon after, Monika leaves the clubroom to seek medical attention.)

Yuri: “With Monika out, we should start discussing our festival plans. Sayori, you mentioned wanting to hear everyone’s ideas. Do you have any suggestions yourself?”

Sayori: “Hmm, well, I was thinking it would be nice to have a booth where we can showcase some of our favorite poems and short stories. We can also have interactive activities like a writing workshop or a creative writing competition for visitors.”

Natsuki: “Those are great ideas, Sayori! We can also have a small cafe area where we sell homemade baked goods or literature-themed snacks. It’ll be a nice addition to our booth.”

Yuri: “I like that idea, Natsuki. We can also decorate the booth with bookshelves filled with our favorite books and have a cozy reading corner where visitors can sit and enjoy the club’s works.”

Sayori: “That sounds so inviting! I’m sure visitors would love it. We should also consider having some live performances, like poetry readings or even short skits based on our favorite literature.”

Natsuki: “Definitely, that would add some variety to the festival. We can have a small stage set up for performances, and we can even invite other clubs to collaborate with us.”

Yuri: “Agreed, Natsuki. Collaborating with other clubs would not only make the festival more engaging but also give us a chance to showcase the club to a wider audience.”

(As the three continue brainstorming and discussing their ideas, they take notes to share with Monika later. They’re determined to make the festival a success, even without her presence at the moment.)

(Meanwhile, in the hospital…)