(In the school literature clubroom…)

MC (me): “Natsuki, what’s wrong? You seem…angry. Well, you’re always angry, but today you’re especially angry.”

Natsuki: “MC, that’s none of your business! Just leave me alone. I don’t need your sympathy or anyone else’s for that matter.”

(I watch as Natsuki quickly packs up her things and storms out of the room, slamming the door behind her.)

MC: (sighing) “I hope she’s okay…I’ll have to check on her later.”

(Sayori approaches me, concern written all over her face.)

Sayori: “MC, do you think there’s something wrong with Natsuki?”

MC: “Probably, Sayori. She’s been acting a lot angrier than normal lately. What do you think is wrong with her?”

Sayori: “Well, I also saw her eating pickles and brocolli with her cupcakes - which she normally wouldn’t do, considering she’s got a sweet tooth. I actually read that mood swings and cravings for unusual things are signs of early pregnancy. Maybe she’s pregnant?”

MC: “Pregnant? That’s a possibility, I guess. But why would she be so upset about it?”

Sayori: “Well, maybe she’s scared or unsure about what to do. I’ll try talking to her later and see if she opens up about it. In the meantime, let’s just give her some space and support.”

MC: “Yeah, good idea. Let’s make sure she knows we’re here for her if she needs us.”

(Later that day, Sayori and I check up on Natsuki.)

Natsuki: (tearfully) “I…I am pregnant. I don’t know what to do. I’m scared and I feel so alone.”

Sayori: “Natsuki, we’re here for you. You’re not alone in this. We’ll support you no matter what decision you make.”

MC: “Yeah, we care about you, Natsuki. Just know that we’re here to help and listen.”

Natsuki: (sniffling) “Thank you…thank you both. I don’t know what I would do without you guys.”

(Sayori and I embrace Natsuki, comforting her during this difficult time.)

MC: “We’re in this together, Natsuki. We’ll figure things out as a team.”

(Natsuki smiles through her tears, grateful for our support. On the day of the festival, Natsuki was in her last few weeks of pregnancy. We made sure to take care of her, making sure she was comfortable and had everything she needed. But just as I was putting the booth together, Natsuki suddenly winced in pain and gasped.)

Natsuki: “MC, something’s wrong…I think I’m having contractions…”

MC: “Oh no, we need to get you to the hospital right away! Sayori, call an ambulance!”

(Sayori quickly calls for help while I time Natsuki’s contractions. Monika and Yuri also help out - setting up a makeshift delivery area in case Natsuki starts giving birth at the school. As we wait for the ambulance to arrive, Natsuki grips my hand tightly, tears streaming down her face.)

Natsuki: “I’m scared, MC. I don’t know what to expect…”

MC: “It’s going to be okay, Natsuki. We’re all here for you. Just keep breathing and stay strong.”

(As I continue timing Natsuki’s contractions, Sayori helps put the booth together for the festival. However, just as everything had gotten set up for the festival, I glance at my phone to see how close we are to the ambulance arriving. Just then, I hear Natsuki cry out in pain.)

Natsuki: “It’s happening, MC! The baby’s coming!”

MC: “Natsuki, try and hold on until the ambulance gets here! We need to make sure you and the baby are safe!”

Natsuki: “There isn’t time! I-I-I-I need to push like,