(As I entered the clubroom, I started to wonder what the other girls were planning on. I could see Kotanhoa packing some bags, and Himari bringing some to the car. Sayori was getting some clothes out, Yuri just grabbed “Portrait of Markov” [seriously, what is her obsession with that book?], and Monika was struggling to button up her black jacket - possibly due to the size of her baby bump. Seriously, Monika looks like she could pop at any minute now.)

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

Natsuki: “Hey guys! What’s all this for? Are we going somewhere?”

Himari: “Yup! We’re going on a camping trip this weekend!”

Sayori: “I’m so excited! It’s going to be so much fun!”

Yuri: “And I’m hoping to find some inspiration for my writing in nature.”

Monika: “And I just want to spend some quality time with all of you before the baby comes.”

Natsuki: “Sounds like a plan! Let me just grab my stuff real quick.”

(As I grabbed my backpack, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for the club and the friends I’ve made. We may be a diverse group, but we all share a love for literature and each other’s company. I knew this camping trip would be one for the books. But when we got to the location, it was…a forest.)

Natsuki: “Um, guys? Are we really camping in a forest?”

Kotanhoa: “Yeah, why not? It’s beautiful and peaceful here.”

Himari: “Plus, we can do some hiking and see some wildlife.”

Sayori: “And roast marshmallows by the campfire!”

Yuri: “And I can explore the flora and fauna for my writing.”

Monika: “And it’s a great opportunity for some fresh air and exercise.”

Natsuki: “I suppose it could be fun, but someone better know how to set up a tent.”

Kotanhoa: “Don’t worry, I’ve got it covered. Let’s get started!”

(As we set up our tents and gathered firewood, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of adventure and excitement. This was not something I would’ve done on my own, but with my friends by my side, it felt like anything was possible. We spent the evening roasting marshmallows, telling stories, and watching the stars.)

Natsuki: “You know what guys, this isn’t so bad after all.”

Kotanhoa: “Told you so.”

Himari: “I’m glad we could experience this together.”

Sayori: “Me too! It’s like we’re in our own little adventure!”

Yuri: “Indeed, it’s a great source of inspiration.”

Monika: “And I feel so close to all of you.”

(As we settled in for the night, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for this experience and for my friends. This camping trip may have been out of my comfort zone, but it was worth it for the memories we made and the bond we formed. But the morning we were supposed to leave, I heard screams of pain coming from outside my tent.)

Natsuki: “What the hell is going on?! Is someone hurt?”

(As I stepped out of my tent, I could see Monika laying on the ground, writhing in pain.)

Himari: “Her water broke! She’s going into labor!”

Kotanhoa: “Oh my god, we need to get her to a hospital!”

Sayori: “But…we’re in the middle of a forest! We’ll never make it in time! I’ll help Monika deliver the baby safely!”

Yuri: “And I’ll gather some herbs and plants that might provide some pain relief.”

Natsuki: “And I’ll…I’ll…”

(My mind was racing. What could I do in this situation?)

Himari: “Natsuki, can you help me make a fire? We need to keep Monika warm and make sure the baby doesn’t get cold.”

Natsuki: “Oh, yeah. Of course.”

(As we all sprang into action, I couldn’t believe what was happening. We were in the middle of a forest, with no medical equipment or expertise, and Monika was about to give birth. But we did everything we could to make her as comfortable as possible.)

Sayori: “Push as hard as you can, Monika!”

Monika: (pushing with all her might) “AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!”

Himari: “You’re doing great, Monika! Just a few more pushes!”

Yuri: “I found some chamomile and lavender. They may not be stronger painkillers, but they can help with relaxation.”

Natsuki: “The fire’s going strong! We just need to keep it going.”

Sayori: “I can see the head, Monika! Keep pushing!”

Monika: (pushing even harder) “AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!”

(And finally, after what seemed like an eternity, we heard the cries of a newborn baby.)

Himari: “It’s a girl! Monika, you did it!”

Sayori: “Welcome to the world, little one!”

Yuri: “Congratulations, Monika. You were so brave.”

Natsuki: “I can’t believe we just delivered a baby in the middle of a forest.”

Kotanhoa: “I’m so proud of all of you. We really pulled together and made it work.”

Monika: (smiling through tears) “Thank you, everyone. I couldn’t have done it without you. I think I’ll name her…Mori. It means 'forest' in Japanese.”