(In the school literature clubroom…)

Monika: “There! Everything’s all set for today’s club meeting.”

Sayori: “Thanks, Monika! I can’t wait to see everyone and share some poems.”

Natsuki: “I hope we have some snacks this time. I’m starving.”

Yuri: “I brought some tea for us to enjoy during our discussion. I find it really helps to set the mood for reading and sharing.”

Monika: “I’m glad you all came prepared. It’s important to create a welcoming and inspiring atmosphere for our members. I honestly feel like a beached whale with this baby bump, but I can’t wait to see everyone’s creativity shine through their poems.”

Sayori: “Don’t worry, Monika! You’re still the best club president ever! Plus, your baby bump just makes you even more adorable.”

Natsuki: “Yeah, you’re like our cute little mama bear. And with all these snacks and tea, I’m sure today’s meeting will be a blast.”

Yuri: “I agree. Let’s make today’s meeting a memorable one, filled with laughter and inspiration.”

Monika: “Thank you, everyone. I’m so grateful to have such supportive and talented friends in this club. Let’s make today’s meeting one to remember!”

(Soon, more members start arriving, each carrying their own poems and eager to share their thoughts.)

Monika: “Welcome, everyone! I’m so glad to see you all here. Let’s begin with our discussion of last week’s readings and then move on to sharing our own poems. Remember, this club is a safe space for us to express ourselves and grow as writers.”

Sayori: “I’ll go first! I wrote a poem about the beauty of nature and how it brings me a sense of peace. I hope you all enjoy it.”

Natsuki: “I wrote a poem about friendship and how it can lift us up in times of darkness. I tried to add a touch of humor to it, so I hope you like it.”

Yuri: “I wrote a poem about the endless depths of the ocean and the mysteries it holds. I find it fascinating how something so vast and unknown can be so captivating.”

Monika: “Thank you, everyone, for sharing your work. Each poem was truly special and unique. Now, let’s take some time to discuss and provide feedback to each other. Remember, constructive criticism is key to helping us improve as writers.”

(The club meeting continues in a positive and supportive atmosphere, with members encouraging each other and sharing their love for literature and poetry.)

Monika: “I’m so proud of the incredible talent and creativity in this club. Thank you all for being here today and for sharing your wonderful poems. Let’s continue to inspire each other and make this club a place where we can all grow and learn toge- OWWWW!!! Oh, God, it hurts!”

(The club members look over at Monika, who is clutching her stomach in pain.)

Sayori: “Monika, are you okay? What’s wrong?”

Monika: “I think…I think I’m having contractions! This shouldn’t have happened…I’m not due for another two months!”

Natsuki: “Oh no, we need to get you to the hospital!”

Yuri: “Quick, someone call an ambulance!”

(The club members quickly spring into action, calling for help and assisting Monika as best as they can.)

Monika: “I’m sorry, everyone…I didn’t expect this to happen during our club meeting…”

Sayori: “Don’t worry about that now, Monika. Your health and the baby’s well-being are the most important things. Just focus on staying calm.”

Monika: “I just hope labor doesn’t happen so fast…”

Natsuki: “Just breathe, Monika. We’re here for you, no matter what. We’ll make sure you and the baby are taken care of.”

Yuri: “Everything will be okay, Monika. Just hold on and stay strong. We’ll get through this together.”

(As they wait for the ambulance to arrive, the club members stick by Monika’s side, offering words of comfort and support.)

Monika: “Thank you, everyone…for being here for me. I don’t know what I would do without all of you.”

Sayori: “We’re a family, Monika. We take care of each other, no matter what. And we’ll be here every step of the way.”

(Moments later, however, it becomes clear that the ambulance won’t arrive in time. Monika’s contractions are getting stronger, and with a loud scream of pain, she suddenly goes into labor right there in the clubroom.)

Sayori: “Oh my goodness! Monika, hang in there! We’ll help you through this!”

Natsuki: “Just breathe, Monika. You’ve got this!”

Yuri: “Stay strong, Monika. We’re here to support you.”

(The club members work together to assist Monika in giving birth, doing their best to keep her comfortable and calm.)

Monika: (panting) “I-I can’t do this! It hurts too much!”

Sayori: “You can do this, Monika! Just keep breathing and pushing. We’re all here for you.”

Natsuki: “You’re doing great, Monika! Just a little bit more, you’ve got this!”

Yuri: “Stay focused, Monika. You’re almost there. Keep pushing with all your strength.”

(With one final push, Monika gives birth to a healthy baby, who lets out a small cry as it enters the world.)

Monika: (crying) “Oh my goodness…my baby…Miyuki…”

Sayori: “Congratulations, Monika! You did it! Miyuki is beautiful!”

Natsuki: “She’s perfect, just like her mama. I’m so happy for you, Monika.”

Yuri: “Welcome to the world, Miyuki. You are loved and cherished by all of us here.”

Monika: “Thank you, everyone. I couldn’t have done it without your support. I’m so grateful to have you all as my friends.”

(The club members gather around Monika and Miyuki, embracing them in a warm and loving hug.)

Monika: “I may have given birth during a club meeting, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. This moment will always hold a special place in my heart.”

Sayori: “This just proves the bond we all share as friends and club members. We truly are family.”

Natsuki: “Yeah, who knew a literature club meeting could turn into a birthing event? But hey, that’s just how we roll!”

Yuri: “No matter what life throws at us, we will always be here to support and uplift each other. That’s what friendship is all about.”

(And as the club members celebrate the birth of little Miyuki, they know that their bond and friendship will only continue to grow stronger with each passing day.)

{THREE YEARS LATER}