(In the school literature clubroom…)

Monika: “Natsuki, are you alright? You know you shouldn’t be attending club meetings at 7 months pregnant!”

Natsuki: (sighs) “I know, Monika, but I can’t just miss out on everything. I want to be here with everyone.”

Yuri: “I understand your enthusiasm, Natsuki, but it’s important to prioritize your health and the well-being of your daughter. Maybe taking a break would be beneficial for both of you?”

Natsuki: “I’ve been feeling fine so far, and the doctor said it’s okay for me to continue my normal activities. I just need to take it easy.”

Sayori: “Natsuki, I’m worried about you too. You’re important to us, and we want to make sure you and Sakura are doing well.”

Natsuki: “Thank you, Sayori. I appreciate your concern, but I promise I’ll take care of myself. And besides, being here with all of you brings me joy and helps me relax.”

Monika: “I understand that, Natsuki, but we also want you to prioritize your health. Maybe we can come up with a plan that allows you to still be involved in the club while also taking it easy.”

Yuri: “That’s a good idea, Monika. We can delegate some tasks to Natsuki that don’t require too much physical exertion. That way, she can still participate and feel included without overexerting herself.”

Natsuki: “That sounds fair. I don’t want to feel left out, but I also don’t want to put myself or Sakura at risk. Maybe I can help with organizing club events or handling some paperwork, things like that. As long as it doesn’t require too much physical effort, I think it should be fine.”

Sayori: “That sounds like a good plan, Natsuki. We’ll make sure to distribute tasks evenly and ensure that you’re not overwhelmed. We’ll all be here to support you every step of the way.”

Monika: “Absolutely. Your health and well-being are important to us, Natsuki. We want you to know that we value you and your contributions to the club, but we also want to make sure you and Sakura are taken care of.”

Yuri: “Indeed. We can make some adjustments to our club activities and schedule to accommodate your needs. We’ll make sure you have enough rest and aren’t overwhelmed with responsibilities.”

Natsuki: “Thank you, everyone. I really appreciate your understanding and support. I want to continue being an active member of this club, and I know I can rely on all of you to help me do that while still taking care of myself and Sakura.”

Sayori: “Of course, Natsuki. We’re all in this together, and we’ll make sure you have the support and care you need. We’ll find a balance that works for everyone.”

Natsuki: (her hands close to her belly) “Oh!”

Monika: “Natsuki, what is it? Are you okay?”

Natsuki: “I think Sakura just kicked! She’s an active little one, just like her momma.”

Yuri: “That’s wonderful, Natsuki! It’s moments like these that make all the challenges worth it.”

Sayori: “I’m so happy for you, Natsuki! It’s amazing to think that soon you’ll have a little bundle of joy in your arms.”

Monika: “Indeed, Natsuki. This is such a special time for you, and we’ll make sure to create a supportive and positive environment for you and Sakura.”

Yuri: “If there’s anything we can do to help, please let us know. Whether it’s researching baby care or just being there to talk and offer emotional support, we’re here for you.”

Natsuki: “Thank you, everyone. It means a lot to me to have such wonderful friends. I know I can count on all of you during this exciting but also challenging time.”

Sayori: “Absolutely, Natsuki. We’ll be here every step of the way, supporting you and cheering you on. Your journey into motherhood is something we all want to be a part of.”

Monika: “And don’t forget, Natsuki, we can also plan a baby shower or special celebration for you and Sakura. It’ll be a fun and memorable way to show our love and support.”

Natsuki: “That sounds amazing, Monika! I didn’t even think about that. It would be such a lovely gesture, and I know Sakura would appreciate it too.”

Yuri: “We’ll start brainstorming ideas right away, Natsuki. We want to make sure it’s a beautiful and memorable celebration for you and your baby.”

Sayori: “Oh, and we can also share our favorite children’s books with you, Natsuki! We can start a mini library for Sakura and help you find the best ones.”

Natsuki: “That’s such a sweet idea, Sayori! I would love that. Thank you all for being so thoughtful and caring. I couldn’t ask for better friends.”

Monika: “We feel the same way about you, Natsuki. You’re an important member of this club, and we want to support you in every way we can.”

Yuri: “We’ll make sure you’re not just an active member of the club, but also a cherished friend and mother. We’re here for all of it.”

Sayori: “Absolutely! So, Natsuki, are you ready to embark on this beautiful journey with us? A journey filled with literature, friendship, and the joy of motherhood?”

Natsuki: (smiling) “I’m ready, Sayori. Let’s make it a truly unforgettable experience.”

(That night, after the club meeting…)

Natsuki: (lying in bed, caressing her belly) “There, there, Sakura. We had such a wonderful day at the club today, didn’t we? I can already tell you’re going to love it just as much as I do. And with the support of Monika, Yuri, and Sayori, I know we’ll be able to navigate this journey together. I can’t wait to meet you, my little miracle. I love you so much already. Sweet dreams, little one.”

(As Natsuki drifts off to sleep, filled with excitement and love for her unborn child, she dreams of a future where Sakura grows up surrounded by the warmth and support of her literature club family. They continue to share their love for literature, with Natsuki reading her favorite childhood stories to Sakura and teaching her the beauty of poetry. However, as she is sleeping, Natsuki feels a sharp pain in her abdomen and wakes up in a panic.)

Natsuki: (groaning in pain) “Ow, what’s happening? Sakura, are you okay?”

(She tries to get up, but the pain intensifies, and she realizes what’s happening - she was experiencing preterm contractions. Panicking, Natsuki tries to reach for her phone, but the pain only intensifies. Minutes go by, and the contractions grow stronger. And as her water breaks, she knows active premature labor had begun.)

Natsuki: (through tears) “