(In the clubroom…)

Natsuki: “Hang on…where’s Monika?”

Yuri: “You’re right! She hasn’t shown up yet!”

Sayori: “I’m starting to get worried about her. I’ll give her a call.”

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

Sayori: “Oh no…she’s not answering. Maybe she’s just running late?”

Natsuki: “I don’t know…Monika is usually very punctual. It’s not like her to miss a club meeting.”

Yuri: “Perhaps something unexpected came up. We should wait a little longer before we start panicking.”

(Just then, Natsuki gets a phone call from the hospital. It was about Sakura - Natsuki’s newborn, albeit premature, daughter.)

Natsuki: (answers the phone) “Hello?”

Nurse: “Hello, is this Natsuki?”

Natsuki: “Yes, this is Natsuki. Who is this?”

Nurse: “This is Nurse Johnson from the hospital. I’m calling about Sakura. We wanted to inform you that she’s stable, but there have been some complications.”

Natsuki: “Complications? What happened?”

Nurse: “Sakura’s condition has taken a turn for the worse. We’re doing everything we can, but her premature birth has put her at a greater risk. We just wanted to keep you updated.”

Natsuki: (voice trembles) “Th-Thank you for letting me know. I’ll be there as soon as possible.”

(Natsuki hangs up and looks visibly upset.)

Yuri: “Natsuki, what happened? Is everything alright?”

Natsuki: “No, it’s not. Sakura’s condition has worsened. I need to go to the hospital right away.”

Sayori: “Oh no, Natsuki, I’m so sorry. Is there anything we can do?”

Natsuki: “It’s alright, Sayori. I just need to be with Sakura right now. Can one of you inform Monika when she arrives?”

Yuri: “Of course, Natsuki. We’ll make sure Monika knows what’s going on.”

(Sayori and Yuri exchange concerned glances as Natsuki rushes out of the clubroom, clutching her bag tightly. The room falls into silence as they wait for Monika, hoping for her quick arrival.)

(Meanwhile, in the hospital…)

(Monika finally arrives at the hospital, her heart pounding with worry. She rushes through the hallways, searching for Natsuki and Sakura’s room. Finally, she finds it and cautiously opens the door.)

Monika: “Natsuki… I’m here. How’s Sakura doing?”

Natsuki: (sitting beside Sakura’s incubator, her eyes red from crying) “Monika… They… they said she’s not responding well to treatment. They’re doing everything they can, but…”

Monika: (gently placing a hand on Natsuki’s shoulder) “I’m so sorry, Natsuki. That must be so tough for you. Is there anything I can do?”

Natsuki: (sniffles) “I just… I just need your support right now. It means everything to me that you’re here.”

Monika: “I’m here for you, Natsuki. Whatever you need, I’ll do my best to help.”

(They sit in silent support for a while, both lost in their own thoughts. Monika grips Natsuki’s hand tightly, offering her strength.)

Monika: “Natsuki, do you want to talk about it? Sometimes, sharing your feelings can make it a little easier to bear.”

Natsuki: (voice trembling) “I… I just wanted everything to be perfect, you know? I wanted to be a good mom, to give Sakura the best life possible. But now… I don’t know if she’s going to make it, and it’s all my fault.”

Monika: (softly) “Natsuki, this is not your fault. Sometimes, things happen that are beyond our control. You are doing everything you can for Sakura, and that makes you an incredible mother.”

Natsuki: (whispering) “But what if my best isn’t enough, Monika? What if I lose her?”

Monika: (squeezing Natsuki’s hand tighter) “We’ll cross that bridge if we come to it, Natsuki. Right now, all we can do is hope and support each other. You’re not alone in this.”

(They sit together, taking turns offering words of encouragement and comfort. The hours pass by, and slowly but surely, Natsuki begins to regain some semblance of hope.)

Natsuki: (looking at Sakura and softly speaking) “Hang in there, Sakura. Mommy and your friends are here for you. We’re going to fight with everything we have.”

Monika: (smiling gently) “That’s right, Natsuki. We’re not giving up on her. And we’re not giving up on you either.”

(The next day, Natsuki receives some information on Sakura that makes her cry tears of happiness.)

Nurse: “Natsuki, I have good news. Sakura responded well to the treatment overnight. Her condition has stabilized, and the doctors are cautiously optimistic about her progress.”

Natsuki: (tears streaming down her face) “Oh my gosh, really? That’s amazing!”

Nurse: “Yes, it’s a small victory, but it’s a step in the right direction. The next few days will still be critical, but we’re hopeful for Sakura’s recovery.”

Natsuki: (grateful) “Thank you so much. I can’t express how relieved I am to hear this.”

Nurse: “You’re welcome, Natsuki. Sakura is a fighter, and she has a strong support system with you and your friends. We’ll continue to monitor her closely and provide the best care possible.”

(Natsuki hangs up and turns to Monika, unable to contain her joy.)

Natsuki: “Monika! Sakura is doing better! The doctors are hopeful!”

Monika: (beaming) “Oh Natsuki, that’s wonderful news! I’m so glad to hear that.”

(They embrace tightly, feeling a mix of relief and hope for Sakura’s future.)

Natsuki: “Thank you for being here for me, Monika. Your support made all the difference.”

Monika: “Of course, Natsuki. I’ll always be here for you, through the good times and the bad. We’re a team, remember?”

(Natsuki wipes away her tears, a newfound determination in her eyes.)

Natsuki: “Absolutely, Monika. We’ll get through this together, and we’ll be there for Sakura every step of the way.”

(They continue to support each other, cherishing every small improvement in Sakura’s condition and finding solace in their unwavering bond. Eventually, Sakura is finally strong enough to leave the NICU - and Natsuki holds her daughter for the first time ever.)