(In the clubroom…)

Natsuki: (already fuming) “GAH! Yuri still hasn’t arrived yet?! Where IS she?!”

Monika: “Natsuki, calm down! Your anger isn’t helping!”

Natsuki: (calming down) “Fine…fine…I’m sorry, I guess I overreacted a little too much…”

Monika: “I know, Natsuki. But…” (rubbing her 38-week baby bump) “…Minika isn’t as active as she normally is. And I’m in a lot of pain…”

Natsuki: (concerned) “Wait, really? Are you okay, Monika? Maybe we should call a doctor.”

Monika: (grimacing) “I’ve already called my doctor, but she hasn’t arrived yet either. I’m just worried about Minika. She’s usually so lively in there.”

Natsuki: (taking a deep breath) “Okay, Monika, we’ll figure this out. Let’s try to keep calm until help arrives. Maybe there’s something we can do to help with the pain.”

Monika: (nodding) “You’re right, Natsuki. I just… I’ve never felt like this before. It’s a bit scary.”

Natsuki: “I can only imagine. But we’re all here for you, Monika. We’ll get through this together.”

(Just then, the door creaks open and Yuri rushes in, out of breath.)

Yuri: (breathing heavily) “I’m so sorry… I got caught up with something and lost track of time. Is everything alright?”

Natsuki: (relieved) “Thank goodness you’re here, Yuri. Monika isn’t feeling well, and we’re waiting for help to arrive.”

Yuri: (immediately concerned) “Oh no, what happened? Is she in pain?”

Monika: (weakly) “Y-Yes, Yuri. It’s been quite intense…”

Yuri: “Alright, let’s not waste any more time. Natsuki, can you help me get Monika comfortable?”

Natsuki: “Of course, Yuri. Let’s find a more comfortable spot for Monika, and we’ll do our best to help her through this.”

(Together, Natsuki and Yuri carefully help Monika find a more comfortable position, making sure she’s as relaxed as possible.)

Monika: (grateful) “Thank you, both of you. Just having you here means a lot…”

Natsuki: “Don’t mention it, Monika. We’re all friends here, and we’re here to support you.”

Yuri: “We’ll do everything we can to help you through this, Monika. Just hang in there.”

(Minutes later, the doctor arrives, rushing into the clubroom.)

Doctor: “I apologize for the delay. Is this the patient?”

Monika: (weakly) “Yes, that’s me. I’m 38 weeks along.”

Doctor: (assessing Monika) “Alright, let’s take a look at how you and the baby are doing. Natsuki, Yuri, thank you for taking care of her. You’ve done a great job in getting her comfortable.”

(Natsuki and Yuri step aside as the doctor begins examining Monika.)

Doctor: “Monika, I’m going to check your vitals and perform an ultrasound to see how the baby is doing. I want you to take slow, deep breaths and try to relax.”

(Monika nods weakly, doing her best to follow the doctor’s instructions.)

Natsuki: (whispering to Yuri) “I hope everything is going to be okay…”

Yuri: (whispering back) “Stay positive, Natsuki. Monika’s in good hands now. We just have to trust the doctor.”

(Several minutes pass as the doctor continues her examination. Finally, she finishes and steps back.)

Doctor: “Alright, Monika, the ultrasound shows that the baby is doing fine. However, I believe you’re experiencing preterm labor.”

Monika: (concerned) “Preterm labor? Is the baby going to be okay?” (she feels the urge to push) “AAAAAAHHHH!!!”