(In the school literature clubroom…)

Monika: “Yuri, wake up! This isn’t time to take a nap!”

Yuri: (yawning and rubbing her eyes) “Oh…I’m sorry, Monika. I must have dozed off. I’m still half-asleep.”

Monika: (smiling) “It’s alright, Yuri. We all have those moments. But we have a meeting to get through today, remember?”

Yuri: (nodding) “Yes, of course. I apologize for my lack of focus.”

Monika: “No need to apologize, Yuri. We all have our off days. Just try to stay awake for now.”

Yuri: (sighs) “I’ll do my best, Monika.”

(They both gather their notebooks and sit down at the table.)

Monika: “Alright, everyone should be here soon. Let’s just wait a little bit longer.”

Yuri: “Do you mind if I make some tea while we wait? It might help me wake up a bit.”

Monika: “That’s a great idea, Yuri. Go ahead and make some tea for yourself. I’ll make sure to call you when the others arrive.”

Yuri: “Thank you, Monika.”

(Yuri goes to the corner of the room where a small tea set is kept and begins brewing a fresh pot of tea.)

(Monika watches Yuri attentively, her gaze filled with admiration for the way Yuri effortlessly handles the delicate teacups and gracefully pours the fragrant tea.)

Monika: “You really have a talent for making tea, Yuri. It’s always so soothing to watch you.”

Yuri: (blushing) “T-Thank you, Monika. It’s just something I enjoy doing. It helps me relax.”

Monika: “Well, the entire club benefits from your talent. It’s a nice touch that adds to our literature club’s atmosphere.”

Yuri: (smiling shyly) “I’m glad you think so, Monika.”

(Just as Yuri finishes pouring the tea, Sayori bursts into the clubroom with her usual exuberance.)

Sayori: “Monikaaaa! Yurii! I’m ready for today’s meeting! What’re we gonna talk about?”

Monika: (laughs) “Good timing, Sayori. We were just about to get started. Take a seat, and we’ll fill you in.”

(Sayori plops down at the table, her eyes widening as she catches the aroma of the tea.)

Sayori: “Ooh, did Yuri make her special tea? It smells amazing!”

Yuri: “I did. Feel free to have a cup, Sayori.”

(Sayori eagerly reaches for a teacup, sipping it tentatively before her face lights up with delight.)

Sayori: “Yuri, you’re a tea genius! This is so yummy!”

(Yuri’s face flushes with a mix of embarrassment and happiness at Sayori’s enthusiastic praise.)

Yuri: “I-I’m glad you like it, Sayori. It’s always nice to share something I enjoy with all of you.”

(All of a sudden, Natsuki - 7 months pregnant at that - bursts into the room, screaming in pain.)

Natsuki: (clutching her stomach) “Ow! Ow! Monika, help!”

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

Natsuki: (panting) “I think…I think it’s time…the baby’s coming! This shouldn’t be happening - I thought I had more time! Help me, Monika!”

Monika: (panicking) “Okay, stay calm, Natsuki. We need to get you to the nurse’s office-”

Sayori: “Monika, the nurse’s office is on the other side of the school! We need to call an ambulance!”

Monika: (nodding frantically) “You’re right, Sayori. Yuri, can you please call for an ambulance?”

Yuri: (nodding and reaching for her phone) “Of course, Monika. I’ll do it right away.”

(Yuri quickly dials the emergency number and explains the situation to the operator.)

Operator: “Alright, help is on the way. Stay with the person in labor and try to keep her calm until help arrives.”

Monika: (holding Natsuki’s hand) “We will, thank you.”

(Natsuki’s breathing becomes more erratic, and Monika does her best to reassure her.)

Monika: “Just breathe, Natsuki. Help is on its way. Stay with us.”

(Sayori runs to grab some towels and a pillow to make Natsuki more comfortable.)

Sayori: “Here, Natsuki. Let’s prop you up with this pillow and use these towels to keep you warm.”

Natsuki: (grateful) “Th-thanks, Sayori. I didn’t expect this to happen so soon…”

Monika: “It’s alright, Natsuki. We’ll get through this together. Just focus on your breathing.”

(Yuri finishes making the call and returns to Natsuki’s side.)

Yuri: (calmly) “Help will be here soon, Natsuki. Just try to relax and breathe deeply.”

Natsuki: (nodding) “O…okay, Yuri. Thank you.”

(The minutes feel like hours as they wait anxiously for the ambulance to arrive. All of a sudden, Natsuki’s expression turns to agony as her body instinctively begins to push.)

Natsuki: “IT’S HAPPENING!!! OH GOD, IT’S HAPPENING!!!”

Monika: (remaining calm) “Push, Natsuki, push! We’re right here with you!”

Sayori: (holding Natsuki’s hand) “You’re doing great, Natsuki! Just keep pushing!”

(Yuri, on the other hand, is in a state of shock and awe, her eyes wide with disbelief.)

Yuri: (whispering) “This…this is incredible. The miracle of life happening right in front of us…”

Monika: “Yuri, snap out of it! We need your help here! We can discuss the miracle later!”

(Yuri quickly rushes forward, assisting Monika and Sayori as they guide Natsuki through the delivery.)

Monika: “Almost there, Natsuki! One final push!”

(Natsuki lets out one final scream of effort, and with a sudden cry, a baby is delivered into Monika’s waiting hands.)

Monika: (overwhelmed) “It’s a baby girl, Natsuki! You did it!”

Natsuki: (breathless) “A girl…? I have a daughter?”

Sayori: (teary-eyed) “Congratulations, Natsuki! She’s beautiful!”

Monika: (smiling) “I’ll place her on your chest, Natsuki. Skin-to-skin contact is important for bonding.”

(Natsuki cradles her baby, tears of joy streaming down her face as she looks at the small bundle in her arms.)

Natsuki: “She’s…she’s perfect. Thank you, everyone…” (looking down at her daughter) “I think I’ll name you Sakura. Welcome to the world, Sakura.”

(Monika, Yuri, and Sayori exchange happy, tearful glances as they watch Natsuki bond with her newborn daughter Sakura.)

Monika: “She’s absolutely precious, Natsuki. You did an amazing job.”

Yuri: “Congratulations, Natsuki. Sakura is truly a blessing.”

Sayori: “I’m so happy for you, Natsuki. Sakura is going to have the best mom ever!”

Natsuki: (smiling) “Thank you, everyone. I couldn’t have done it without your support and help. Sakura, I promise to love and protect you with all my heart.”

(Monika, Yuri, and Sayori gather around Natsuki, sharing in the joy and love that fills the room, knowing that a new chapter has begun not only for Natsuki but for their literature club as well.)

[THE END]