(In the clubroom…)

Monika: “Um…where’s Natsuki?”

Sayori: “Hmm…I’m not sure. She was here just a little while ago. Maybe she went to grab something to eat?”

Monika: “That could be. She does usually get hungry pretty quickly.”

Yuri: “Well, I hope she comes back soon. We were going to discuss some ideas for the next literature club event.”

Sayori: “Oh yeah, I’m excited to hear what everyone came up with!”

Monika: “Me too. It’s always interesting to see the creativity that goes into planning these events.”

(Meanwhile, at a hospital…)

Doctor: “I take it you’re here for an ultrasound, Natsuki?”

Natsuki: “Yeah, that’s right. I wanted to make sure everything’s alright with little Sakura. I’m in my seventh month now.”

Doctor: “That’s great to hear, Natsuki. Let’s get started then. Just lie back and relax, and we’ll take a look at little Sakura.”

Natsuki: (lies back on the examination table) “I’m a bit nervous, but I’m really looking forward to seeing her again.”

Doctor: “It’s completely normal to feel nervous, but don’t worry, we’ll take good care of you. Now, let’s apply some gel on your belly. It might be a bit cold, but it helps the ultrasound device glide smoothly.”

Natsuki: (shivers slightly) “Okay, I’m ready.”

Doctor: (starts moving the ultrasound device over Natsuki’s belly) “There we go. Can you see the screen? That’s your baby right there.”

Natsuki: (gazes at the monitor, a smile spread across her face) “Wow, she’s getting bigger, isn’t she? Look at those tiny little hands!”

Doctor: “Yes, she’s growing well. And her heart rate sounds strong too. Everything seems to be in order.”

Natsuki: (teary-eyed) “Thank you, Doctor. This makes me so happy. I can’t wait to meet her.”

Doctor: “I’m glad to see how excited you are. Being a mother is a wonderful experience. Now, let me take some measurements and capture a few images for you.”

(Back at the clubroom, Natsuki returns…)

Natsuki: (breathless) “Sorry, everyone! I got held up. But guess what? I just had an ultrasound, and Sakura is doing great! She’s growing so fast! Here, take a look!”

(Monika, Yuri, and Sayori gather around Natsuki, looking at the ultrasound image with excitement.)

Monika: “Oh wow, Natsuki, this is amazing! Sakura looks so precious! Congratulations!”

Yuri: “She truly is a miracle. I’m so happy for you, Natsuki. Being a mother will be a wonderful experience for you.”

Sayori: “Aww, look at her little button nose! And those tiny fingers! I can’t wait to meet her too, Natsuki!”

Natsuki: (blushing) “Thanks, everyone. I’m really looking forward to becoming a mom. Knowing that Sakura is healthy and growing well just fills me with so much joy.” (noticing little movements in her belly) “Aww, Sakura, you’re kicking in there, aren’t you? You’re already so lively just like your mom.”

Monika: “That’s so sweet, Natsuki! It’s incredible how connected you’re already feeling with Sakura. She’s going to have an amazing mom.”

Yuri: “Indeed. The bond between a mother and child is something truly special. I’m certain Sakura will grow up surrounded by love and care.”

Sayori: “And we’ll all be here to support you, Natsuki. We’re like a family in the literature club, after all. We can’t wait to meet Sakura and see her grow too!”

Natsuki: (smiling) “Thank you, everyone. Your support means the world to me. I’m grateful to have you all in my life.” (rubbing her belly gently) “Sakura, we’re going to have so much fun together. I can’t wait to read stories to you and share all the things I love. We’ll make the literature club proud.”

Monika: “Absolutely, Natsuki. And when the time comes, we’ll be sure to plan a special literature club event to celebrate Sakura’s arrival. It’ll be a day filled with love and happiness.”

Yuri: “That sounds like a wonderful idea. Sakura’s presence will bring a whole new level of warmth and joy to the literature club.”

Sayori: “Yes! And when she’s old enough, we can even introduce her to our favorite poems and books. I bet she’ll have a natural talent for literature, just like her mom!”

Natsuki: (blushing) “You think so? That would be amazing. I’ll do my best to nurture her love for literature and all the other things that make life beautiful.”

Monika: “We’re all here to support you, Natsuki. And I know you’ll make a fantastic mother. Sakura is lucky to have you.”

Natsuki: (overwhelmed with gratitude) “Thank you, everyone. I couldn’t ask for better friends. Let’s all continue to create beautiful memories together, both in the literature club and on this incredible journey of motherhood.”

(Later that night, after the club meeting…)

(Natsuki sits on her bed, holding the ultrasound image close to her heart. She gently whispers to Sakura, feeling an overwhelming sense of love and anticipation.)

Natsuki: “You know, Sakura, I never imagined my life would turn out like this. I always thought I was alone, that nobody cared about me. But now, I have the literature club, and I have you. I have a family, and I couldn’t be happier.”

(She rests her hand on her belly, feeling Sakura’s gentle movements beneath her touch.)

Natsuki: “I promise to always protect you, Sakura. I’ll be there for you, guiding and supporting you every step of the way. We’ll face life’s challenges together, and we’ll celebrate your victories with joy. You have so much love waiting for you, and I can’t wait to experience all the precious moments we’ll share.”

(As she looks out the window, gazing at the stars, Natsuki feels a renewed sense of purpose and hope. She knows that no matter what challenges may come, she and Sakura will face them with strength and determination.)

Natsuki: “Goodnight, Sakura. Dream sweetly, my little miracle.”

(And with a contented smile on her face, Natsuki drifts off to sleep, brimming with excitement for the beautiful future she envisions with her beloved daughter by her side. But as she tries to sleep…)

Natsuki: “Ah…ow…”

(Suddenly, Natsuki is jolted awake by a sharp pain in her belly.)

Natsuki: (wincing) “What’s happening? Is something wrong?”

(She clutches her belly, feeling more intense pain.)

Natsuki: “No, no, this can’t be happening. Sakura, please be okay!”

(Filled with fear, Natsuki quickly grabs her phone and dials her doctor’s number.)

Natsuki: (panicking) “Please, please pick up. I need help!”

(As she waits for the call to connect, tears well up in her eyes. The pain intensifies, making it difficult for her to speak. However, it just goes to voicemail.)

Natsuki: (sobbing) “No…why isn’t anyone picking up? I need help! Sakura, please hold on, I’m trying to get help!”

(In a panic, Natsuki quickly dials emergency services - but with the same result as before; voicemail. Eventually, Natsuki looks at the clock - noticing what time it is.)

Natsuki: “Oh no, it’s too late… The doctor’s office and emergency services must be closed at this hour… Sakura, please hold on, just a little longer…”

(Sobbing uncontrollably, Natsuki holds onto her belly tightly, feeling helpless and terrified. She desperately wishes for someone to come to her aid. All of a sudden, her water breaks and she goes into active labor.)

Natsuki: “I can’t do this alone… Sakura, please hold on… help will come soon…”

(Natsuki tries to endure the labor pains as best as she can, but they only