(In the school literature clubroom…)

Monika: “You’re doing great, Yuri. Keep breathing - the ambulance will be here soon.”

Yuri: (clutching her baby bump tightly) “That’s easier said than done, Monika…” (feeling an intense contraction) “NNNGH!!! The contractions are getting closer…”

(Monika quickly checks her phone to see the estimated time of arrival for the ambulance she called earlier while trying to stay calm for Yuri’s sake.)

Monika: “They should be here any minute now, Yuri. Just hang in there.”

(Monika kneels beside Yuri, offering her a hand to squeeze.)

Monika: “Remember the breathing exercises we talked about? Let’s try to focus on those. Inhale slowly, hold for a few seconds, then exhale. That’s it.”

Yuri: (breathing heavily) “I’m trying, Monika, I really am. It’s just…so intense…”

(Monika speaks in a soothing tone to help comfort Yuri.)

Monika: “You’re incredibly strong, Yuri. I know it’s hard, but you’re not alone. We’re all here with you.”

(Sayori and Natsuki, the other members of the literature club, burst into the room.)

Sayori: “Yuri! Oh, my gosh, are you okay?”

Natsuki: “What’s happening? Is she…? Oh wow, she’s—”

Monika: (keeping her voice steady) “Yuri’s having contractions. The ambulance is on the way. We need to keep her comfortable and calm until they arrive.”

Sayori: (rushing to Yuri’s other side) “Right, right. Yuri, you’re super strong. You’ll get through this!“

Natsuki: (looking worried but determined) “Is there anything I can do to help?”

Monika: “Natsuki, could you please grab some pillows from the couch over there? We want to make Yuri as comfortable as possible.”

(Natsuki nods and dashes off to grab pillows.)

Monika: (continuing to speak to Yuri in a calming tone) “Yuri, you’re doing amazingly. Keep focusing on your breathing.”

(Yuri continues to concentrate on her breathing, grasping Monika’s hand firmly, with tension visible on her face.)

Natsuki: (returning with the pillows and placing them carefully behind Yuri) “Can’t believe this is happening right here in the clubroom…”

Sayori: (attempting to smile through the tension) “It’s like one of those intense scenes in the novels we read, huh?”

Yuri: (managing a weak smile between contractions) “Thank you, guys. It means…a lot…”

(The room falls into a rhythm of supportive whispers and concentrated breathing until, at that moment, Yuri feels a sudden warmth and urgency.)

Yuri: “I…I think my water just broke…”

Monika: (with concern but staying composed) “Okay, everyone, stay calm. That’s normal, Yuri. It means things are progressing, but we really need the ambulance to get here fast now.”

(Monika quickly glances at her phone again to check the time, her worry increasing.)

Monika: “It’s going to be okay, Yuri. You’re doing everything right.”

(Sayori starts to panic slightly but tries to keep it together for Yuri’s sake.)

Sayori: “What if the ambulance doesn’t get here in time? What if she has to…you know…right here?”

Natsuki: (trying to sound confident) “They’ll be here, Sayori! They have to be. Plus, we’re all here for Yuri and her baby, no matter what.”

Monika: (addressing the group firmly) “Sayori, Natsuki, listen to me. We may not be experts, but we are Yuri’s friends. If the ambulance doesn’t get here in time, we’re going to support her through this together.”

(Sayori nods nervously, and Natsuki clenches her fists in determination.)

Monika: (turning back to Yuri, who is now visibly in more discomfort) “Yuri, please try and keep your head clear. It’s crucial for you and the baby that you stay as relaxed as possible.”

(Yuri, with sweat on her forehead and pain in her eyes, nods and tries to maintain her breathing pattern until…)

Yuri: “Guys!”