(In the school literature clubroom…)

Monika: “You all had some amazing poems, everyone!”

Sayori: “Thank you, Monika! I always love sharing my poems with everyone.”

Natsuki: (resting her hands on her baby bump) “Yeah, yeah, whatever. Let’s just get this over with.”

Monika: “Natsuki, be nice. We’re all here to support each other.”

Natsuki: “I am nice! I just don’t see why we have to pretend like we’re all so amazing.”

Yuri: “Well, Natsuki, sharing our poems is a way to express ourselves and improve our writing skills. It’s not about being the best, but about enjoying the process.”

Sayori: “Yuri’s right! I think we should focus on giving each other constructive feedback and encouragement.”

Monika: “Exactly. We’re all here to learn and grow as writers, and that’s what makes our club so special.”

Natsuki: (sighs) “Alright, fine. I guess I can try to give feedback or whatever.”

Sayori: “That’s the spirit, Natsuki! We’re all in this together, after all.”

Yuri: “Yes, and it’s important to remember that everyone has their own unique style and perspective. By sharing our thoughts and suggestions, we can help each other explore new possibilities in our writing.”

Monika: “Well said, Yuri. And remember, feedback doesn’t mean tearing down someone’s work. It’s about offering guidance and pointing out areas of improvement, while also highlighting the strengths.”

Natsuki: (rolls her eyes) “Yeah, yeah. I know how this goes. But honestly, I prefer writing for myself and not worrying about what others think.”

Monika: “And there’s nothing wrong with that, Natsuki. We all have different ways of enjoying literature. But being in a writing club can provide a supportive community that can push us to reach new heights in our craft.”

Sayori: “Plus, it’s fun to share our work and see how it resonates with others. We can learn so much from each other’s experiences and perspectives.”

Yuri: “Indeed. The diverse range of ideas and writing styles within our club can inspire us to think outside the box and explore new horizons.”

Natsuki: (pauses, thinking) “Alright, I guess I can give it a shot. But don’t expect me to sugarcoat anything-” (feeling a wave of pain surge through her) “AAH!!! Oh gosh, this shouldn’t be happening at 7 months…Sakura, please stay inside just a little longer…”

Monika: “Natsuki, are you okay? Do you need any help?”

Natsuki: (breathing heavily) “I…I think my contractions are starting.”

Sayori: “Oh no! We need to get you to the hospital right away!”

Yuri: “I’ll call an ambulance. Natsuki, try to stay calm. Everything will be alright.”

Monika: “Just focus on taking deep breaths, Natsuki. We’ll take care of everything.”

(Sayori quickly grabs her backpack and rushes to Natsuki’s side, offering her support.)

Sayori: “Don’t worry, Natsuki. We’ll be with you every step of the way.”

(Yuri dials the emergency number while Monika helps Natsuki into a comfortable position.)

Yuri: “They’re sending an ambulance right now. Help is on the way.”

Natsuki: (through gritted teeth) “I can’t believe this is happening…”

Monika: “It’s going to be okay, Natsuki. We’re here for you, and the medical professionals will take care of you and Sakura.”

(Just then, Natsuki screams in agony as she goes into full labor - her water has broken.)

Natsuki: “AHHHH!!! It hurts so much!”

Sayori: “Hang in there, Natsuki! You’re doing great!”

Monika: “The ambulance will be here any minute. Just keep breathing and stay strong.”

Yuri: “I’ll try to keep you as comfortable as possible, Natsuki. Just breathe through the pain.”

(Natsuki continues to endure the intense contractions, with her friends by her side providing comfort and reassurance. However, before the ambulance could arrive, the intense urge to push overwhelms Natsuki.)

Natsuki: “I can’t hold it in anymore! I need to push!”

Monika: “Natsuki, it’s too dangerous to deliver the baby here. We need to wait for the professionals.”

Natsuki: (teary-eyed) “I can’t…I can’t wait any longer! The pain is too much!”

Sayori: “Natsuki, we understand how you feel, but it’s important to prioritize yours and Sakura’s safety. We need to trust that the professionals will be here soon to help.”

Natsuki: “I…I can’t…it’s too much…”

Monika: “Natsuki, please try to hold on a little longer-” (stopping her sentence after checking Natsuki’s condition) “Oh no…Sakura really IS coming!”