(In the school literature clubroom…)

Monika: “There! Everything’s all set up for today’s meeting. Now we just need Yuri.”

Natsuki: “Ugh, she’s probably lost in her own world again. You know how she gets when she’s caught up in a book.”

Sayori: “Maybe she got really into a story and forgot the time! We should go check on her, right?”

Monika: “We could, but let’s give her a few more minutes. She might just be running late. Besides, I want to make sure today’s meeting goes smoothly.”

Natsuki: “Smoothly? Are you sure that’s possible when we have to deal with her dramatic poetry again?”

Sayori: “I think Yuri’s poetry is really beautiful! It has a way of touching your heart.”

Monika: “Exactly, Sayori! And it’s important to give everyone a chance to share their work. Each member has something unique to contribute. Also, thankfully, I made these chairs extra-comfortable. My back hurts from how big my belly has gotten these past 7 months. I didn’t realize how difficult it would be to sit for long periods while pregnant.”

Natsuki: “Yeah, well, I still think most of her stuff is too dark. Can’t she write something more…I don’t know, fun?”

Sayori: “But dark poetry can be fun too! It’s all about what you find interesting, right? Plus, I think it helps her express her feelings. That’s what writing is about!”

Monika: “Exactly, Sayori. It’s a safe space for all of us. And Natsuki, I think there’s beauty in those emotions, even if they’re not always happy ones. They can resonate deeply.”

Natsuki: “Fine, I get it. But if she starts going on about some creepy monster again, I might just lose it.”

Sayori: “You’ll just have to appreciate the creativity! Besides, aren’t you working on a new manga? I bet there’s a lot of emotional depth in that too!”

Natsuki: “Well, yeah, but it’s different! Manga has action and fun characters. Yuri’s stuff just feels like a funeral sometimes.”

Monika: (chuckles, rubbing her belly gently) “Just think of it as the different shades of our experiences. The club is about exploring all those aspects together, whether it’s upbeat or a little more somber.”

Sayori: “Yeah! Just like life, right? We have our happy moments, and sometimes we have sad ones. Creating art helps us understand those feelings better.”

Natsuki: “I guess that makes sense. I just wish she’d lighten up a little. Maybe add some cute cupcakes or something into her poems!”

Monika: “Now that would be a fun twist! Imagine a poem about a monster that just loves cupcakes. It could be both creepy and cute!”

Sayori: “Ooh! I’d love to read that! I can totally picture a fluffy monster sneaking into a bakery!”

Natsuki: “Now you’re making me want to write a poem too! It’s probably a monster who gets distracted by cupcakes instead of chasing after people.”

Monika: “See? That’s the kind of creative thinking I love! Everyone can bring their own spin to it, even with such different styles.”

(Just then, the door creaks open, and Yuri steps in, holding a book tightly to her chest.)

Yuri: “Oh, um… I apologize for being late. I got caught up in my reading.”

Sayori: “No worries, Yuri! We were just talking about you!”

Yuri: (blushing slightly) “Oh? I hope it was something good…”

Natsuki: “Well, we were kind of debating about your poetry style. I was just saying that it can be a bit too dark sometimes.”

Yuri: “I see… I understand that my work might not appeal to everyone. But I write from the heart.”

Monika: “And that’s what makes it special! We were just saying how each of us brings something unique to the club. Your poems allow us to explore feelings that are often hard to express- OW!!!”

(Monika winces as she suddenly shifts her position.)

Sayori: “Monika, are you okay?!”

Monika: “I’m fine, just… a little cramp, I think. It’s all part of this wonderful journey of pregnancy, right?”

Sayori: “Oh no! Do you need to sit down or something? Maybe we can get you some water?”

Natsuki: “Yeah, Monika, don’t just brush it off if it’s hurting. You have to take care of yourself!”

Yuri: (walking closer with concern) “You should definitely rest if you’re feeling uncomfortable. Would you like me to get you something? I can go grab some tension-relief tea from the staff room.”

Monika: “Thank you, Yuri, but really, it’s just a little cramp. I’ll be okay. I’m just letting my body adjust to all the changes- AAH!!!”

(Monika gasps again, gripping the edge of the table as another cramp hits her.)

Sayori: “Monika! That doesn’t sound like just a little cramp! You should really sit down or see the nurse!”

Natsuki: “Okay, okay! I’m not a doctor, but that doesn’t sound normal! Like, it’s kind of scary!”

Yuri: (her eyes widening) “You really should take this seriously. How far along are you? I can help you with some relaxation techniques if you want.”

Monika: (breathing deeply) “I appreciate your concern, everyone. I’ll sit down for a moment… I just thought—I didn’t want to interrupt the meeting… or worry you.”

Sayori: “Monika, your health is way more important than the meeting! We can always reschedule if we need to!”

Natsuki: “Yeah, seriously! We can make cupcakes together or something while we wait for you to feel better. Just don’t push yourself.”

Yuri: “I can run and grab that tea now, and… um… I’ll also bring some blankets. Keeping warm might help ease the cramps.”

Monika: (smiling softly) “Thank you, everyone. You’re all so sweet. I just… I guess I was trying to be strong and keep things moving forward.”

Sayori: “And we love how strong you are, Monika! But it’s okay to lean on us when you need to. We’re a team!”

Natsuki: “Right. You’re basically the heart of this club. We want you around for a long time, so take care of yourself!”

Monika: (taking a deep breath) “I’ll take it easy. I promise.”

(She gently sits down in a chair and rests her hands on her belly.)

Yuri: “Let me know if you feel any worse, okay? I’ll be right back with the tea.”

Monika: “Thank you, Yuri. I appreciate that.”

Sayori: “While she’s getting that, Natsuki, what about sharing some of your manga with us? I’d love to hear about it!”

Natsuki: “Oh, um… well, I guess I could read a chapter or two. It’s not ready for a full reveal yet, though.”

Monika: “That sounds great! I’d love to hear more about your characters. We can definitely fill the time with your creativity- AGH!!!”

(Monika winces again, her breath catching as another cramp seizes her.)

Sayori: “Monika! Are you sure you’re okay?!”

(Monika grips her belly, her face contorted in discomfort. Sayori rushes to her side, her eyes wide with worry.)

Monika: “O-On second thought… I think the contractions are getting a little more intense. Maybe I should head to the nurse’s office after all…”

Sayori: “Yes! Definitely! We need to get you checked out right away!”

Natsuki: “Alright! I’m going to get the teacher. You stay here and take deep breaths, Monika!”

Yuri: (walking briskly) “I’ll hurry back with the tea, and then we’ll see what we can do to help. Just keep focused on breathing deeply, Monika. You’re doing great.”

Monika: (trying to stay calm) “Thank you, everyone. I’m really sorry for worrying you all. It’s just… part of the process, I suppose.”

Sayori: “It’s not your fault! You can’t help that your body is changing. Just hang in there!”

(Natsuki rushes out the door, her expression a mix of determination and concern. Sayori stays by Monika’s side, gently rubbing her back while keeping a watchful eye on her.)

Monika: “I really didn’t want to worry anyone… I thought I could manage it.”

Sayori: “Monika, you’re not just a club president; you’re our friend! We’re all here for you. It’s okay to lean on us for support.”

(Monika takes a moment to breathe, her eyes glistening with gratitude as she feels Sayori’s comforting presence beside her. The warmth of their friendship envelops her, bringing a sense of calm amidst the storm of emotions.)

Monika: “You’re right, Sayori. I guess I just wanted to look strong for everyone. It’s hard to let go of that sometimes.”

Sayori: “There’s nothing wrong with needing help! Everyone needs support, especially during something as big as this! You’ve always been there for us, so it’s totally okay to let us be there for you.”

Yuri: (returning quickly with a steaming cup of tea and a soft blanket) “Here you go, Monika. The tea should help soothe your cramps. And I thought you might be cold, so the blanket is for extra comfort.”

(Monika smiles as Yuri carefully wraps her in the blanket, the warmth enveloping her like a gentle hug.)

Monika: “Thank you, Yuri. You all are so kind. I really appreciate it- AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHH!!!”

(Monika’s sudden scream pierces the room as another wave of pain crashes over her. Sayori’s eyes widen in alarm, and Yuri quickly moves closer, holding the cup of tea carefully in both hands.)

Sayori: “Monika! What’s happening?!”

Monika: (breathless) “I-I think my water just broke! The baby’s coming! Oh no, I didn’t think it would happen now!“

Yuri: (panicking slightly) “We need to get you to the nurse right now! Monika, stay with us! Take deep breaths, you can do this!”

Sayori: “I’ll go get help! I’ll run to the nurse’s office and bring someone back immediately!”

(Monika grips the arms of her chair tightly as the next contraction hits her, her breathing quickening. She feels a mix of fear and excitement.)

Monika: “Please hurry, Sayori… I—I didn’t expect this to happen so soon…”

Natsuki: (bursting back into the room) “I told the teacher! They’re on their way! What’s happening?!”

Yuri: “Monika’s water broke! We need to stay calm and help her, please!”

Natsuki: (glancing around in panic) “Okay, okay! Monika, just focus on us, alright? Keep breathing. You’re strong—you can do this!”

(Monika nods weakly, her eyes shimmering with tears as she shifts uncomfortably in her seat. Sayori rushes back into the room, a sense of urgency on her face.)

Sayori: “I told them to hurry! They’re sending someone right now! You’re going to be okay, Monika!”

Monika: (voice trembling) “I’m scared… what if something goes wrong?”

Yuri: “You’ve handled so much already, Monika. This is just the next step in your journey. Trust your body and focus on your breathing. We’re all right here with you.”

Natsuki: “Yeah! We’re not going anywhere! Just think about holding your baby soon. Let that be your motivation!”

(Sayori takes Monika’s hand, holding it tightly as Monika struggles to control her breathing. The room is filled with a palpable tension, but the girls’ support surrounds Monika like a protective shield.)

Monika: “I—thank you. I couldn’t do this without you- AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!”

(Monika’s scream echoes through the room as another wave of intense pain washes over her. She grits her teeth, her nails digging into the fabric of her chair as she strains to breathe through the contraction.)

Sayori: “Monika! What’s going on?!”

Monika: (panting heavily) “I-I-I can’t hold it in any longer! I need to push!”