(In Monika’s room…)

Monika: (cradling her newborn daughter - Minika) “There, there, Minika. Mama’s here for you.”

(Minika continues to cry loudly.)

Monika: (running her hand through Minika’s small coral brown hair) “You’re hungry aren’t you? Don’t worry - you can have Mama’s milk!”

(Monika gently lifts Minika and sits down in a comfortable chair, adjusting her position to breastfeed.)

Monika: (softly singing) “Hush little baby, don’t say a word, Mama’s gonna feed you like a little bird…”

(Minika starts nursing, settling down and whimpering less.)

Monika: (smiling) “That’s it, my sweet Minika. Mama’s milk will nourish you and make you strong. You’re growing so fast.”

(Minika’s cries gradually fade away as she focuses on feeding.)

Monika: (whispering) “You’re my little miracle, Minika. I can’t believe how lucky I am to have you in my life. You’ve brought so much joy and love into my heart.”

(Monika strokes Minika’s tiny fingers, cherishing the tender moment.)

Monika: (voice filled with warmth) “I promise to protect you, my little one. I’ll be here for you every step of the way, guiding you and supporting you in whatever you choose to pursue.”

(Minika finishes nursing, her tiny mouth forming a satisfied smile.)

Monika: (gently burping Minika) “There we go, my precious. All full and content. Now it’s time for your nap. Mama will hold you close and keep you safe.”

(Monika cradles Minika in her arms, swaying softly as she hums a lullaby.)

Monika: (softly) “You’re surrounded by so much love, Minika. I’ll always be by your side, watching you grow and witnessing the incredible person you’ll become.”

(Monika continues to rock Minika, their bond growing stronger with each passing moment as she whispers words of love and affection, creating a peaceful atmosphere in the room. Eventually, Minika falls asleep.)

(Monika gazes down at her sleeping daughter, a tear of joy and gratitude slipping down her cheek.)

Monika: “Thank you, Minika. Thank you for giving my life a newfound purpose. I will cherish every moment we have together, and I’ll do everything in my power to make sure you have a happy and fulfilling life.”

(She gently places a soft kiss on Minika’s forehead and gently puts her in her crib.)

Monika: (whispering) “Sweet dreams, my little angel. Mama loves you more than words can say.”

(Monika checks her phone and realizes it’s almost time for the club meeting.)

(Monika quickly takes a deep breath, wiping away her tears as she gathers herself.)

Monika: (firmly) “Alright, time to switch gears. The club meeting is starting soon and I need to be there for everyone.”

(She puts on a brave face and composes herself before leaving the room, making sure everything is organized and ready for the meeting.)

Monika: (thinking to herself) “I’ll always prioritize Minika and her well-being, but I also have a responsibility to the other club members. I won’t let anyone down.”

(With a determined stride, Monika heads to the club room, carrying the love and happiness she feels from her time with Minika in her heart.)

(Monika enters the club room and is greeted by her friends.)

Sayori: “Monika, you made it! We were just about to start the meeting.”

Monika: “Sorry for being a little late, everyone. I had something important to take care of.”

Natsuki: (rubbing her 7-month quintuplet bump) “Hope everything is okay, Monika. But I swear, these little boys just won’t stop kicking! It’s like a little soccer match in there!”

Monika: (chuckles) “I can imagine. They must be quite the active bunch in there. How are you feeling though, Natsuki? Is everything going well with the pregnancy?”

Natsuki: “Yeah, everything’s going fine so far. It’s just getting a bit challenging to move around with this belly. But it’s all worth it when I think about meeting my five little boys.”

Monika: “I’m sure they’ll be just as wonderful as their mom. You’re going to be an amazing mother, Natsuki.”

Yuri: (softly) “You’re both going to be incredible parents. I admire your strength and love for your children.”

Sayori: “Absolutely! And Monika, we’re here to support you too. How’s everything going with Minika?”

Monika: (smiling) “She’s doing great, Sayori. She just finished her feeding and is now fast asleep. I can’t believe how much joy she’s brought into my life. I can’t wait for you all to meet her properly.”

Yuri: “I’m sure she’s absolutely precious.”

Monika: “She really is. Thank you all for being so understanding and supportive. It means the world to me.”

Sayori: “Of course, Monika. We’re always here for you. And we can’t wait to meet Minika too.”

Natsuki: “Yeah, we’re all in this together, Monika. You don’t have to do everything on your own. We’re here to help and support each other.”

Monika: (feeling comforted) “Thank you, everyone. I’m grateful to have you all as friends. Now, let’s get started with the meeting. We have a lot to discuss and plan for the upcoming festival.”

(As the club meeting begins, the friends come together as a close-knit group, sharing ideas, laughter, and support.)

Monika: (glancing over at a picture of Minika on her phone) “I know Minika would be proud of her mama.”

(With love and joy in her heart, Monika finds strength and balance in both her role as a mother and as the leader of the literature club, knowing that her friends are there for her every step of the way.)

(But halfway into the club meeting…)

Natsuki: (clutching her belly) “Ahh…!”

Monika: “Natsuki, are you okay? What’s wrong?”

Natsuki: “I…I might be having contractions.”

Monika: (concerned) “Oh my gosh! Okay, okay. Stay calm, Natsuki. How close are the contractions?”

Natsuki: (breathing heavily) “They’re about five minutes apart…I think it’s-” (her contractions start getting too close together for a hospital visit) “-time! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!”