(In the clubroom…)

Yuri: “She hasn’t shown up yet…?”

Monika: “This…this isn’t like her…”

Sayori: (entering the clubroom) “Who are you two waiting for?”

Yuri: “Oh, Sayori! We were actually waiting for Natsuki. She’s usually the first one here.”

Monika: “Yeah, it’s unusual for her to be late. We’re getting a little worried.”

Sayori: “Hmm, that is strange. I saw her on my way to school today, and she seemed perfectly fine.”

Yuri: “You did? Maybe she got caught up with something. I hope she’s alright.”

Sayori: “I’m sure she’s just running a bit late. You know how life can be unpredictable sometimes.”

Monika: “You’re right, Sayori. Maybe we’re just overthinking it. But it wouldn’t hurt to check up on her, would it?”

Sayori: “No, I don’t think it would. Let’s give her a call and see if everything’s alright.”

(Yuri takes out her phone and dials Natsuki’s number. After a few rings, it goes to voicemail.)

Yuri: “She’s not picking up…that’s concerning.”

Monika: “Hmm, maybe we should head over to her house and see if she’s there.”

Sayori: “Good idea! Let’s go, girls.”

(The three of them make their way to Natsuki’s house, filled with a mix of worry and anticipation. They reach her front door and Monika rings the doorbell.)

Natsuki: (opening the door in the middle of contractions) “Please…help me…”

Yuri: “Natsuki, what’s happening? Are you okay?”

Natsuki: (in pain) “I…I’m going into labor…at only seven months. I need to push…now…”

Sayori: (panicking) “Oh no, Natsuki! We need to get you to the hospital right away-”

Natsuki: (starting to push) “AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!!”

Monika: “Natsuki, you’re pushing already?!”

Natsuki: (in pain) “Yes, I can feel the baby coming… I can’t hold it back anymore!” (pushing again) “AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!”

Monika: “Natsuki, just breathe, okay?”

Sayori: “You’re going to be alright, Natsuki. We’re here for you.”

Natsuki: (gritting her teeth) “I…I didn’t expect this to happen…” (about to push again) “Oh god, it hurts so much!”

Yuri: (panicking) “We need to prepare for an emergency delivery, now!”

(Sayori quickly grabs a towel and hands it to Yuri, who kneels down beside Natsuki.)

Yuri: “Natsuki, try to stay calm. We’re going to do everything we can to help you through this.”

Natsuki: (teary-eyed) “Okay…okay… just…get it out…please…”

(Sayori rushes to find some clean towels and water while Monika stays by Natsuki’s side, offering words of comfort.)

Monika: “Natsuki, you’re doing great. Just keep breathing and pushing. We’re right here with you.”

(Natsuki grips onto Yuri’s hand tightly as another contraction hits.)

Natsuki: “I can’t…I can’t do it…”

Yuri: “Yes, you can, Natsuki. You’re strong. Just a little bit longer, and we’ll have this baby here safely.”

(Meanwhile, Sayori returns with the towels and water, setting them down near Yuri.)

Sayori: “Here, Yuri. We need to keep everything as clean as possible.”

(Yuri nods and quickly sets up a makeshift birthing area with the towels.)

Yuri: “Alright, Natsuki, I need you to start pushing again. Remember to breathe deeply, and I’ll guide you through it.”

Natsuki: (nodding) “Okay…okay, let’s do this.”

(With the guidance of Yuri and the support of Monika and Sayori, Natsuki continues to push through the intense pain and difficulties of the unexpected home birth. After what feels like an eternity, they finally hear the sound of a crying baby.)

Sayori: (overwhelmed with emotion) “It’s a girl! Natsuki, you did it!”

Natsuki: (teary-eyed) “I…I did it? Oh my gosh…I can’t believe it…”

Monika: (smiling) “Congratulations, Natsuki. You’re a mother now.”

Yuri: (helping clean the baby) “She’s beautiful, Natsuki. You should be proud.”

Natsuki: (reaching out to hold her baby girl) “I…I am proud. Thank you all so much for being here for me.” (cradling her newborn daughter) “She’s not only beautiful…but she’s so small…and so fragile…thank you for helping me bring her into the world.”

(All four of them, overwhelmed with emotions, share a warm hug.)

Monika: “We’re so glad we could be here for you, Natsuki. You didn’t have to go through this on your own.”

Sayori: “Absolutely! We’re like a family, and families stick together, no matter what.”

Yuri: “Indeed. And now we have a little addition to our literature club family.”

Natsuki: (smiling through tears) “I don’t know what I would have done without you all. Thank you for everything.”

Monika: “We’re always here for you, Natsuki. Remember that. What are you going to name your daughter?”

Natsuki: (looking down at her daughter) “Hmm…how about Sakura? I’ve always loved the meaning behind that name. It symbolizes beauty, strength, and the fleeting nature of life.”

Sayori: “Oh, that’s such a beautiful name! It suits her perfectly.”

Yuri: “I couldn’t agree more. Sakura is a lovely name for a lovely baby.”

Monika: “Sakura it is then. Welcome to the world, little Sakura. You’re surrounded by love and support.”

Natsuki: (holding Sakura close) “Thank you all again. I can’t express how grateful I am. Sakura and I are lucky to have you in our lives.”

(With the unexpected home birth behind them, the girls continue to support Natsuki as she navigates her new role as a mother. The bond between the members of the literature club grows even stronger, and they find solace in the fact that they can rely on each other no matter what challenges they may face.)

(7 years later…)