(I started to wonder as to who the father of Sayori’s baby is. After all, I was a little shocked when Sayori announced her pregnancy last month - and Monika was, too. Just then, Natsuki enters the room.)

Natsuki: “Hey, guys! Sorry I’m late. I had some personal things back home.”

Monika: “It’s okay, Natsuki.”

Sayori: “Jeez…my cravings are just out of control today.”

Monika: “Of course they are. So…how are you feeling, Yuri?”

(I felt like I was going to throw up, but decided to hide the fact I was sick.)

Yuri: “I’m feeling okay. How about you, Natsuki?”

Natsuki: “I’m good. So, what are we talking about?”

Sayori: “Well, we were just wondering who the father of my baby is.”

Natsuki: “Oh, wow. That’s a big question.”

Monika: “Yes, it is. Sayori hasn’t told us yet.”

Sayori: “That’s because I don’t know who the father is.”

Yuri: “What do you mean you don’t know?”

Sayori: “I mean, it could be one of three guys.”

Natsuki: “Three guys?! Sayori, how could you not know?”

Sayori: “I know, I know. But I was going through a rough patch and was feeling pretty reckless. I don’t even remember who I was with when I got pregnant.”

Monika: “This is not good, Sayori. You need to talk to each of them and find out who is the father.”

Sayori: “I know, I know. I’m just scared and not sure how to bring it up.”

Yuri: “We’ll help you, Sayori. Just tell us who they are.”

Sayori: “Okay, well…there’s Mark, Jake, and David.”

Natsuki: “I know Mark. He’s not the most responsible guy.”

Monika: “Jake is a nice guy, but he’s not really looking for a relationship right now.”

Yuri: “David is more mature, but he’s also been in a long-term relationship. Maybe he’s not the best option.”

Sayori: “I just don’t know what to do. I don’t want to be a burden on anyone.”

Natsuki: “You’re not a burden, Sayori. We’re here for you.”

Monika: “Yes, we are. And we’ll help you figure it out.”

Yuri: “We love you, Sayori. And we’ll support you no matter what.”

Sayori: “Thank you all so much. I don’t know what I’d do without you guys.”

Natsuki: “Don’t worry, Sayori. We’ll get through this together.”

(Just then, my phone started ringing. It was Ayano - one of my friends from the school I used to attend before I joined the literature club.)

Yuri: “Excuse me, I’m getting a call.”

(I step outside to answer the call.)

Yuri: “Hello?”

Ayano: (in the dance studio, rubbing Kokana’s massive triplet bump) “Hey, Yuri. Long time no talk.”

Yuri: “Ayano, it’s nice to hear from you. How have you been?”

Ayano: “I’ve been good. Busy with the dance studio lately. Kokona wants to talk, too.”

(Kokona grabs the phone from Ayano.)

Kokona: “Hello, Yuri!”

Yuri: “Hey, Kokona! How are you feeling?”

Kokona: “Well, I’m a little tired, but otherwise good. The babies are moving around a lot.”

Yuri: “Oh, that’s good to hear. How many weeks are you now?”

Kokona: “I’m at 36 weeks with the triplets now, so it won’t be long until they’re here. But…I heard from one of the others that Musume’s belly is massive, but nobody knows why. I get that she’s kind of the school bully here, but I’m starting to feel worried for her safety.”

Yuri: “Oh dear. That doesn’t sound good. Maybe we should check up on her and make sure she’s okay.”

Kokona: “That’s what I was thinking. Can you come and meet us at the school?”

Yuri: “Sure, I’ll be there as soon as possible.”

(Kokona and Ayano hang up, and I rush back into the room.)

Yuri: “Sorry, guys, I have to go. Kokona and Ayano need me at the school.”

Monika: “Is everything okay?”

Yuri: “There’s some concern about Musume’s health, and we want to check up on her.”

Natsuki: “Should we come with you?”

Yuri: “No, it’s okay. I can handle it. I’ll let you know if anything is wrong.”

(I quickly grab my things and head out to meet Ayano and Kokona at the school. But at the front door, I can see Musume.)

Musume: “What is it, knife-wife?”

Yuri: “Musume, are you okay? We heard that you may be in some discomfort.”

Musume: “Pfft, me? Discomfort? I’m perfectly fine.”

(Kokona, who had come up behind me, steps forward.)

Kokona: “Musume, we just want to make sure you’re okay. Can we do anything to help?”

Musume: “Why do you even care? You guys never cared about me before.”

Ayano: “Musume, we may not have been the best of friends, but that doesn’t mean we don’t care about your well-being.”

Musume: “Whatever. I’m fine. Now leave me alone.”

(Musume turns and walks away, leaving us standing in the hallway. But then, she doubles over in pain.)

Yuri: “Musume, are you okay?!”

Musume: (despite being in pain) “I’m fine, knife-wife!”

Kokona: (concerned) “Musume, you’re clearly not okay. Tell us what’s wrong.”

Musume: (gritting her teeth) “It’s nothing. Just a stomachache.”

Ayano: “Musume, your stomach is huge. You need to see a doctor.”

Musume: “I said I’m fine! Leave me alone!”

(She tries to walk away again, but collapses - the pain too much to bear. I quickly rush over to her. But the minute I see her, she’s…crying. And there was a puddle of water forming between her legs.)

Musume: “Oh no…my little star’s coming! I didn’t prepare anything for her arrival! I don’t think I’ll make it to a hospital in time!”

Kokona: “Get into position, Musume. You can do this. Yuri, can you call you fellow club members?”

Yuri: “Yes, I’ll call them right away.”

(I quickly dial the other members of the literature club.)

Monika: “Yuri, what’s going on?”

Yuri: “Musume is going into labor. We need your help.”

Natsuki: “Oh my god, we’ll be right there!”

(I hang up the phone and turn my attention back to Musume.)

Yuri: “Musume, stay calm. We’re going to help you.”

(Musume nods weakly as we help her get into position. We put a towel under her and start to coach her through the delivery process.)

Monika: “You’re doing great, Musume. Just keep breathing.”

Natsuki: “You’re almost there. Just a few more pushes.”

(With our help, Musume finally gives birth to her daughter.)

Musume: “She’s here! My little star is finally here!”

Kokona: “Congratulations, Musume. She’s beautiful.”

Yuri: “Do you have a name for her?”

(She held her baby close to her, and then she came up with a name we probably didn’t expect.)