(In the school literature clubroom…)

Monika: “There! Everything’s all set up for today’s meeting. Now we just need Yuri.”

Natsuki: “Ugh, why is she always late? It’s not like she has to do anything special to prepare.”

Sayori: “Maybe she got caught up reading again? You know how she gets when she finds a really good book!”

Monika: “I hope she’s okay. I just sent her a message earlier to make sure she didn’t forget.”

Natsuki: (caressing her belly) “Well, if she doesn’t show up soon, we might as well start without her. I don’t want to have Sakura before I finish discussing our plans for the festival!”

Sayori: “Aww, Natsuki! You’re so excited about being a mom. I can’t wait to see Sakura! She’s going to be so cute!“

Natsuki: (blushing) “W-Well, it’s not like I’m that excited or anything! I just want everything to go smoothly. What if Yuri doesn’t even show up? She could miss the chance to help out!”

Monika: “I get it, Natsuki. But we should give her just a little more time. After all, she might have something interesting to share with us today!”

Sayori: “Yeah! And besides, we should support her! You know how much she loves talking about her favorite books, right? Maybe she found one that she can’t stop thinking about!”

Natsuki: “Fine, fine. But if she doesn’t show up in ten minutes, I’m starting w- …um…guys?”

Sayori: “Huh? What is it, Natsuki?”

Natsuki: “I think…I think my water just broke!”

Sayori: “What?! Natsuki, are you serious right now?!”

Monika: “Oh no! Are you feeling okay?! We need to call someone!”

Natsuki: (panic in her voice) “I didn’t think it would happen so soon! I thought I had more time!”

Sayori: “Okay, okay! Just breathe, Natsuki! Do you need to sit down?”

Natsuki: “I-I don’t know—everything’s happening so fast! I can’t believe this is happening at the club! What am I supposed to do? Is she really coming now? I’m not ready!”

Monika: “Just focus on taking deep breaths. We’re here for you, and you’re not alone. I’ll grab my phone and call an ambulance, just in case.”

Sayori: “I’ll get you some water! Just stay calm, Natsuki! Remember what we talked about—one step at a time!”

Natsuki: “I can’t think about that right now! I just wanted to discuss the festival and enjoy my day with you two…”

Sayori: “It’s okay, Natsuki! You can still do that! Just focus on yourself right now. We’ll handle everything else.”

Monika: (dialing the number) “I’m calling for help right now. You’re going to be okay, Natsuki. Just hang in there.”

Natsuki: (panicking) “What if I can’t do this? What if it hurts too much? What if…what if I mess everything up?”

Sayori: “You’re the strongest person I know, Natsuki! You’ve faced so many challenges, and you’ve come out on top every time! Just think about how much you wanted to be a mom and how much love you’re going to give to Sakura!”

Natsuki: “You really think so?”

Monika: (putting her phone down, looking at Natsuki with determination) “Absolutely! You have us, and we believe in you. You’re not alone in this. Just take it one breath at a time.”

Natsuki: (closing her eyes and taking a deep breath) “Okay…okay, I can do this. I can do this…I can- AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHH!!!”

Sayori: “Natsuki, what’s happening?! Are you okay?!”

Natsuki: “I-I need to push! It’s happening too fast!”

Sayori: “Oh my gosh! Monika, what do we do?!”

Monika: “We don’t have time. Natsuki’s contractions are too close together. Natsuki, you need to listen to us—find a comfortable position! You can do this. Just focus on your breathing.”

Natsuki: (squeezing her eyes shut) “I—I can’t believe this is happening now! Why does it have to be now?!”

Sayori: (holding Natsuki’s hand) “Natsuki, you’re doing amazing! Just keep breathing. In and out, okay? Know that you’re about to meet your baby girl!”

Natsuki: “I don’t know if I can do it! What if something goes wrong?”

Monika: “Natsuki, remember what you’ve always told us about being brave? Think about Sakura! You’re strong, and you can handle this. You’ve planned for this moment in your heart for so long.”

Natsuki: (taking deep breaths) “You really think I can do it…with you guys here?”

Sayori: “Of course! We’re right by your side. You’re not alone! Just push with the next contraction, and we’ll help you however we can!”

Natsuki: (gritting her teeth) “Okay…okay, I’ll try! I’m ready!”

Monika: “On the next breath, when you feel the contraction, push with everything you have! We’re here for you!”

Natsuki: (nodding, widening her stance) “Here goes nothing…AAAHHHH!!!”

Sayori: “You’re doing it, Natsuki! You’re so close! Just a little more!”

Monika: (looking around, trying to assess the situation) “We really need to get you comfortable and ready for this. It’s okay; we can do this together. Just keep pushing!”

(As Natsuki continues to push, the clubroom fills with an air of urgency, courage, and friendship as Monika and Sayori remain steadfast. The three of them, bonded by friendship, stand on the brink of a new chapter.)

Natsuki: (panting) “I’m going to be a mom… I can’t believe it!”

Sayori: “Yes! And it’s because you’re so strong and brave! Keep going!”

Natsuki: “I’m ready for Sakura! I want to see her!”

(With renewed determination and the encouragement from her friends, Natsuki takes a deep breath, and with one last effort, she pushes one final time and, finally, Sakura