(In the clubroom…)

Natsuki: (already fuming) “GAH! How come she hasn’t shown up yet?!”

Monika: “She’s probably just running late.”

Sayori: (entering the clubroom) “Who are you two waiting for?”

Natsuki: “We’re waiting for Yuri. She’s supposed to be here by now!”

Monika: “Yeah, she’s running a bit late today. We were just wondering where she might be.”

Sayori: “Oh, don’t worry about it! Maybe she got caught up in something and lost track of time.”

Natsuki: (crossing her arms) “Well, she should have let us know if she was going to be late. It’s rude.”

Sayori: (gently) “Maybe there’s a reason she couldn’t inform us. Let’s give her the benefit of the doubt.”

Monika: (nodding) “Sayori’s right. We should be understanding and not jump to conclusions.”

Natsuki: (mumbling) “Fine, fine. But this better not become a habit.”

(Just as they finish their conversation, the door to the clubroom opens and Yuri steps in, heavily pregnant with her second child.)

Yuri: (breathing heavily) “I’m so sorry for being late, everyone. I went for an ultrasound this morning and it took longer than expected. But I can’t believe my sweet baby boy Amatsu will be a big brother!”

Monika: “Oh my…what did they say about Amatsu’s sibling?”

Yuri: “They said everything looks healthy and normal, just like with Amatsu. I’m overjoyed to be welcoming another little one into the family.”

Natsuki: (softening her expression) “Wow, congratulations, Yuri! That’s amazing news! I’m sorry for getting frustrated earlier. Did they tell you the gender of the baby?”

Yuri: (smiling) “Thank you, Natsuki. And yes, they did. It’s going to be a baby girl.”

Sayori: (giggling) “Aww, that’s so wonderful! A little brother and a little sister, how exciting!”

Monika: “Congratulations, Yuri! I’m so happy for you. It’s truly a blessing to have another child. You must be thrilled.”

Yuri: “Thank you, Monika. I really am. Amatsu is going to be such a loving big brother. I can’t wait to see them bond.”

Natsuki: (teasingly) “I hope your baby girl takes after you, Yuri. Maybe she’ll grow up to be just as passionate about literature too.”

Yuri: (blushing) “Oh, we’ll see about that. Regardless, I just want her to be happy and healthy. That’s all that matters.”

Sayori: “Of course! And we’ll be here to support you every step of the way, Yuri. You’re not alone in this journey.”

Monika: “Absolutely. We’ll make sure to help you with anything you may need, both now and after the baby arrives.”

Yuri: (gratefully) “Thank you, everyone. Your support means the world to me. I couldn’t ask for better friends.”

Natsuki: (smiling) “Well, we better start brainstorming some baby shower ideas, then. We have a lot to celebrate!”

(Suddenly, Yuri’s face contorts in pain as her labor begins.)

Yuri: (grimacing) “Oh, no…it looks like the baby wants to make an early entrance!” (she feels the urge to push) “AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!! I-I-It’s coming!! IT’S COMING!!”

Natsuki: “Wait, right now?!”

Sayori: “Oh my goodness! We need to deliver this baby right away!”

Yuri: (breathing heavily) “I-I can’t believe this is happening. Please, help me!” (she pushes again) “AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!”

Monika: “Okay, everyone, stay calm! We need to think and act quickly. Natsuki, call an ambulance right away!”

Natsuki: (grabbing her phone) “On it!”

Sayori: “Yuri, try to breathe through the contractions. We’re here for you. Monika, do we have any towels or blankets we can use for the delivery?”

Monika: (searching through the supplies) “I think there are some in the storage closet. Let me go grab them.”

(Yuri continues to endure painful contractions as Natsuki dials emergency services and Monika rushes to get the towels and blankets from the storage closet.)

Yuri: (gritting her teeth) “I-I can’t…I can’t do this!”

Sayori: “Yes, you can, Yuri! You’re strong and capable. Just keep breathing and pushing.”

Natsuki: (on the phone) “Hello? We have a friend who’s in labor and needs immediate help! We’re at the Literature Club Room in [school name]. Please hurry!”

Operator: “Help is on the way. Stay on the line with me and let me know if there are any changes.”

(Monika returns with the towels and blankets.)

Monika: “I have the towels and blankets. We’ll need them to keep the baby warm.”

Sayori: “Good thinking, Monika. Let’s lay them out here.”

(Yuri continues to push, her pain intensifying.)

Yuri: (teary-eyed) “I-I can’t…I can’t hold on much longer!”

Monika: “You’re doing amazing, Yuri. Just a little bit longer.”

(The sound of sirens grows closer as Natsuki relays additional information to the operator.)

Natsuki: “They’re almost here, guys! Just hang on, Yuri!”

Sayori: “Yuri, remember, soon you’ll be holding your beautiful baby. Keep pushing!”

(Eventually, the paramedics burst into the clubroom.)

Paramedic: “We’re here to help! Is she delivering right now?”

Monika: “Yes, she’s in active labor. She’s been pushing, and the contractions are getting closer together.”

Yuri: (teary-eyed) “I-I can see the head, Monika!”