(In the school literature clubroom…)

Monika: “Alright, that concludes today’s meeting. You all had some amazing poems!”

Sayori: “Thanks, Monika! I always love sharing my poems with you guys. It’s so much fun!”

Natsuki: (caressing her baby bump) “Yeah, whatever. I guess some of them were decent, but mine were definitely the best.”

Yuri: “I appreciate your compliment, Monika. I find it quite inspiring to hear the perspectives of each member.”

Monika: “I’m glad to hear that, Yuri. It’s important for us to support and encourage each other’s creativity.”

Sayori: “Hey, Monika, do you have any suggestions on how we can improve our writing?”

Monika: “Of course, Sayori. It’s always helpful to read more literature outside of our comfort zones, try different writing styles, and experiment with different themes or emotions. Writing prompts can be really helpful too!”

Natsuki: “Yeah, yeah, we get it. Trying new things, reading more, blah blah blah. Just as long as I can keep my manga references in my poems, I’m good.” (feeling a sharp pain coursing through her body) “OW!!! Sakura, are you okay?!”

Monika: “Natsuki, are you alright? What happened?”

Natsuki: (grimacing in pain) “I-I don’t know. It feels like a sudden cramp…it’s really intense.”

Monika: “Let’s get you to the nurse’s office, quickly. Sayori, Yuri, can you help Natsuki?”

Sayori: “Of course! Natsuki, lean on me. We’ll support you.”

Yuri: “Don’t worry, Natsuki. We’ll take care of you. Just hold on, we’re almost there.”

(Together, Monika, Sayori, and Yuri help Natsuki out of the clubroom and towards the nurse’s office. Concern fills the air as they rush to get her the help she needs, when, all of a sudden…)

Natsuki: “AAAAHHH!!!”

(Just before they reach the nurse’s office, Natsuki’s pain intensifies, causing her to collapse in pain.)

Monika: “Oh my gosh, Natsuki! What’s wrong?!”

Natsuki: “Monika…my water just broke…I think I’m going into labor!”

Monika: “Oh my goodness! We need to get you to the hospital right away. Sayori, Yuri, can you call an ambulance?”

Sayori: “On it, Monika! I’ll call for help immediately.”

Yuri: “Natsuki, try to stay calm. We’re going to get you the help you need.”

(Monika and Yuri support Natsuki as they wait for the ambulance to arrive. Minutes feel like hours as they anxiously wait for medical assistance.)

Natsuki: (through gritted teeth) “I… I didn’t expect this to happen… so soon…”

Monika: “It’s okay, Natsuki. Sometimes babies have a mind of their own. We’ll make sure you and Sakura are okay-”

Yuri: “Wait, Monika, stop!”

Monika: “What is it, Yuri? What’s wrong?”

Yuri: “I was checking to see how dilated Natsuki was, and she’s fully dilated! Sakura’s coming right now!”

Monika: “Oh my goodness! We need to act quickly. Natsuki, just hold on a little longer. Help is on the way.”

Natsuki: (breathing heavily) “I…I’m trying, but it hurts so much!”

Sayori: (on the phone with emergency services) “They said the ambulance is on its way, Natsuki! Just a little longer!”

Yuri: “Monika, we need to find a clean and comfortable place for Natsuki to give birth. The nurse’s office might not be the best option.”

Monika: “You’re right, Yuri. Let’s bring her to the closest classroom. We’ll make it as comfortable as possible.”

(Monika, Sayori, and Yuri gently guide Natsuki to a nearby classroom. They quickly arrange some blankets and pillows, doing their best to create a makeshift birthing area.)

Monika: “Natsuki, make yourself as comfortable as you can. Remember to breathe deeply and relax as much as possible. We’ll be right here with you.”

Natsuki: (clutching her stomach) “I can’t believe this is happening…so much pain…” (feeling another wave of pain) “AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!”

(Moments later, the sound of sirens fills the air as the ambulance arrives at the school. Paramedics rush into the classroom, prepared for the unexpected situation they were called into.)

Paramedic: (assessing the situation) “Alright, everyone, step back. We’re here to help.”

Monika: (stepping aside) “Thank goodness you’re here. She’s in extreme pain, and we believe she’s going into labor.”

Paramedic: “Understood. We’ll take it from here. Can you give me some details on her pregnancy?”

Sayori: (nervously) “Um, she’s about 8 months pregnant. She hasn’t experienced any complications until now.”

Paramedic: “Alright, we’ll do our best to ensure a safe delivery. Natsuki, my name is Alex. I’m one of the paramedics here. Can you hear me?”

Natsuki: (through strained breaths) “Y-yes…it hurts…I’m scared.” (feeling yet another wave of pain) “AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!”