(In the school literature clubroom…)

Monika: “Natsuki, you’re seven months into your pregnancy! You shouldn’t be attending club meetings, considering that you could pop any second now.” (noticing Natsuki too focused on her parenting magazine) “…Natsuki?”

Natsuki: (startled, looking up from her magazine) “Huh? Oh, sorry, I zoned out there for a second. What were you saying, Monika?”

Monika: (concerned) “I was just saying that it might not be the best idea for you to keep coming to the club meetings, especially since you’re so far along in your pregnancy. It’s important to prioritize your health and the well-being of your baby.”

Natsuki: (defensively) “I appreciate your concern, Monika, but I’m perfectly capable of managing my own schedule. Plus, I enjoy being here with everyone. It’s not like I’m doing any heavy lifting or dangerous activities.”

Monika: (softening her tone) “I understand that you enjoy being part of the club, Natsuki, but your safety and the baby’s health should come first. Pregnancy can be unpredictable, and there’s always a chance that something could go wrong.”

Natsuki: (sighing) “Look, I appreciate your concern, but I’ve talked to my doctor, and they’ve given me the green light to continue with my regular activities as long as I feel up to it. Plus, staying active and engaged can actually be beneficial for both me and the baby.”

Yuri: (joining the conversation) “Natsuki, I understand your desire to continue attending the club meetings, but we care about you, and we worry about any potential risks. It might be wise to take a break until after the baby arrives, just to be on the safe side.”

Natsuki: (muttering) “Why does everyone suddenly think they’re an expert on pregnancy?”

Monika: (gently) “Natsuki, we only have your best interests at heart. We want to support you, and if that means taking a temporary break, we hope you can understand why we’re suggesting it.”

Natsuki: (reluctantly) “Fine, I’ll consider it, okay? But don’t expect me to sit around doing nothing all day. I’ll find other ways to stay engaged and active.”

Sayori: (smiling) “That sounds like a great idea, Natsuki! We can help you find other activities or hobbies to keep you occupied while you take care of yourself and the baby.”

Natsuki: (slightly grinning) “Thanks, Sayori. I guess I can take a break from the club for now. But don’t think this means I won’t be back with even more energy once the baby’s here.”

Monika: (smiling warmly) “We’ll be waiting for you, Natsuki. Take care of yourself, alright?”

Natsuki: (clutching her belly tightly) “AAAAAHHHHHH!!! Ow!”

Monika: (rushing to Natsuki’s side) “Natsuki, what’s wrong? Are you okay?”

Natsuki: (panting) “I-I think…I think my water just broke! Oh no, it’s happening! It’s happening so fast…!”

Yuri: (panicking) “Quick, someone call an ambulance! Natsuki, try to stay calm.”

Sayori: (grabbing her phone) “I’ll call for help right away!”

Monika: (trying to reassure Natsuki) “Take deep breaths, Natsuki. We’ll get you to the hospital as soon as possible.”

Natsuki: (nervously) “I can’t believe this is happening! It’s too early, it’s too early…”

Sayori: (on the phone) “Hello, we have an emergency. Our friend Natsuki’s water broke, and she’s about to give birth. We need an ambulance right away!”

Dispatch: “Stay on the line. Help is on the way. Make sure Natsuki is lying down and try to keep her as comfortable as possible.”

Monika: (helping Natsuki to the floor) “Here, Natsuki, lie down on this blanket. Just focus on your breathing, everything will be alright.”

Yuri: (getting a cold washcloth) “Here, Natsuki, let me cool you down a bit. Just try to relax, the ambulance will be here soon.”

Natsuki: (gritting her teeth) “I can’t relax, this hurts so much!”

Monika: “You’re doing great, Natsuki. Just remember to breathe and stay calm, the professionals will be here any moment.”

(Despite Monika’s words, the ambulance is nowhere to be seen. Natsuki’s contractions are becoming more intense, and she’s struggling to remain composed.)

Natsuki: (teary-eyed) “Wh-where is the ambulance? Why aren’t they here yet?”

Yuri: (frantically checking the time) “I don’t understand… they should have arrived by now.”

Sayori: (nervously pacing) “Did they get the address wrong? We need to call them back!”

Monika: (trying to stay calm) “Alright, Sayori, let’s call them again and ask for-”

Natsuki: “Guys, wait, stop!”

Monika: “Natsuki, what is it?”

Natsuki: “I can see it - I can see the head! The baby is coming!”

Monika: (in a panic) “Oh my goodness! You’re right! We need to act quickly!”

Yuri: (searching for clean towels) “We can’t wait any longer. We have to help Natsuki deliver the baby ourselves.”

Sayori: (grabbing a nearby blanket) “I’ll try to make a makeshift delivery bed with this blanket. We need to make sure Natsuki is in a comfortable position.”

Monika: (taking charge) “Everyone, let’s gather as many clean towels as we can find. We need to make sure the baby is delivered safely and kept warm.”

Natsuki: (gritting her teeth) “Just…just tell me what to do.”

Yuri: (trying to keep a steady voice) “Natsuki, when the next contraction comes, I need you to push as hard as you can. We’ll guide you through it.”

Natsuki: (clenching her fists) “Okay, okay. I can do this.”

(With the support and guidance of their friends, Natsuki starts to deliver the baby, just as the ambulance finally arrives.)