(In the clubroom…)

Natsuki: (absolutely fuming) “GAH! Where is she?!”

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

Sayori: (entering the clubroom) “What’s gotten Natsuki so furious, Monika?”

Monika: “Well, I think Natsuki is waiting for Yuri. They were supposed to work on a project together, but it seems like Yuri hasn’t arrived yet.”

Sayori: (concerned) “Oh no, I hope Yuri is okay. Did she say anything about why she might be late?”

Natsuki: (crossing her arms) “She didn’t say anything, which makes it even more frustrating! She knows we have a deadline for the project!”

Monika: “Let’s not jump to conclusions. There could be a reasonable explanation. Maybe she just lost track of time.”

(Meanwhile, at Yuri’s place…)

Yuri: (rubbing her 8-month bump) “Come on, little one! Your mama’s waiting!”

(Just then, Yuri’s 5-year-old son - Amatsu - enters the room.)

Amatsu: (curiously) “Mommy, how’s my little sibling doing in there?” (pointing to Yuri’s baby bump)

Yuri: (smiling warmly) “Oh, your little sibling is doing just fine, Amatsu. They’re growing bigger and stronger every day.”

Amatsu: (excitedly) “That’s great to hear, Mommy! I can’t wait to meet them!”

Yuri: (lightly chuckling) “I’m sure they can’t wait to meet you too, Amatsu. You’re going to be the best big brother.”

Amatsu: (proudly) “Really? You think so, Mommy?”

Yuri: (nodding) “Absolutely. You’re caring, kind, and always looking out for others. Those are wonderful qualities to have as a big brother.”

Amatsu: (grinning) “Thanks, Mommy! I’ll make sure to take care of the baby just like you take care of me.”

Yuri: (leaning down and giving Amatsu a gentle hug) “I know you will, my sweet boy. You are going to be such a loving and supportive big brother.”

(Just then, Yuri’s eyes widen in pain as she clutches her baby bump.)

Amatsu: (startled) “Mommy?! Are you okay?!”

Yuri: (gritting her teeth) “I’m…I’m fine, Amatsu. Just…just a little discomfort. Don’t worry.”

Amatsu: (worried) “But Mommy, you’re hurting. Shouldn’t we call a doctor?”

Yuri: (trying to remain calm) “No, no need for that, Amatsu. It’s just…the baby moving around, that’s all. It can get a bit uncomfortable at times.”

Amatsu: (concerned) “Are you sure? Maybe we should tell Daddy or Grandma. They’ll know what to do.”

Yuri: (forcing a smile) “Really, Amatsu, I promise I’m okay. It’s just a temporary sensation. Soon enough, everything will be back to normal.”

(Deep down, Yuri knows something might not be right, but she doesn’t want to worry her son.)

Amatsu: (hesitant) “Alright, Mommy. But if anything feels worse, please let me know, okay? I want to help.”

Yuri: (teary-eyed and touched) “Thank you, Amatsu. That means the world to me. But for now, let’s focus on meeting your little sibling, okay? They’ll be here before we know it.”

(Back at the clubroom…)

Monika: “No messages or anything. Not even a phone call.”

Natsuki: (frustrated) “This is so unlike Yuri. She’s usually very punctual and responsible.”

Sayori: (worried) “I hope she’s okay. Maybe we should try calling her?”

Monika: (nodding) “You’re right, Sayori. Let’s give her a call and see if she answers.”

(As Monika dials Yuri’s number, the phone rings but goes straight to voicemail.)

Monika: “Her phone is off… That’s strange. I hope everything is alright.”

Natsuki: (anxiously) “What if something happened to her? We should go to her house and check on her.”

Monika: “I think that’s a good idea, Natsuki. Let’s go together.”

Sayori: (concerned) “I hope Yuri and the baby are safe…”

(The club members quickly gather their things, leaving the clubroom and heading towards Yuri’s house.)

(At Yuri’s house…)

Monika: (knocking on the door) “Yuri, are you home? It’s Monika, Natsuki, and Sayori.”

(Nobody answers the door, causing the tension to rise.)

Natsuki: (anxiously) “Yuri, please open the door! We’re worried about you!”

Sayori: (calling out) “Yuri, it’s Sayori! Please let us know if you’re okay.”

(They hear a faint sound from inside the house. With growing worry, Monika tries the doorknob and surprisingly, it’s unlocked. They cautiously enter the house.)

Monika: (concerned) “Yuri, are you here? We’re coming in.”

(They search the house, calling out Yuri’s name. Finally, they find Yuri in her bedroom, lying down with a pained expression on her face.)

Natsuki: (rushing to Yuri’s side) “Yuri! Are you alright? What’s happening?”

Yuri: (weakly) “I…I think…I’m going into labor.”

Sayori: (shocked) “Labor?! But…but it’s too early! We need to get you to the hospital!”

Yuri: “I…I know I need a hospital, Sayori…but the contractions are too close together.”

Monika: (frantically) “We’ll call an ambulance right away! Hang in there, Yuri.”

Natsuki: (panicking) “Why didn’t you say anything? We could have helped sooner!”

Yuri: (struggling to speak) “I didn’t want Amatsu to worry…I thought it was just discomfort…”

Sayori: (teary-eyed) “You should have told us, Yuri. We’re here to support you. How much longer until you need to push, Yuri?”

Yuri: (taking deep breaths) “It…it’s 3 minutes until the pushing phase starts. The contractions are getting stronger!”

Monika: “Okay, Yuri, we’ll do our best to keep you calm and comfortable. Natsuki, can you find some towels or blankets to prepare for the delivery?”

Natsuki: (nodding) “Got it, Monika. I’ll see what I can find.”

Sayori: (taking Yuri’s hand) “Yuri, you’re doing amazing. Just focus on your breathing and try to stay as calm as possible. We’re all here for you.”

Yuri: (grateful) “Thank you, Sayori. I never expected this to happen, but I’m glad I’m not alone.”

Natsuki: (returning with towels and blankets) “I found some clean towels and blankets, Monika. What else can I do?”

Monika: (listening to the operator) “Okay, they want us to keep Yuri lying down and propped up with pillows. Make sure she’s breathing steadily and try to time the contractions.”

Sayori: (holding Yuri’s hand) “You’re doing so well, Yuri. Remember to take deep breaths and try to relax as much as you can.”

Yuri: (gritting her teeth) “I’ll try, Sayori. It’s just… the pain is so intense.”

Monika: (checking the time) “Yuri, it’s been two and a half minutes. The pushing phase will begin soon. Just hold on a little longer.”