(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- OW!!!”

Monika: “Natsuki, are you okay?”

Natsuki: (rubbing her belly) “Ouch! Yeah, I’m fine…just a little kick from Sakura, I guess. She’s certainly feisty today!”

Sayori: “Aww, that’s so cute! I can’t believe we’re actually going to meet her soon!”

Monika: “It really is exciting! I can’t wait to see how everyone’s going to react. I’m sure Sakura will bring everyone closer together.”

Natsuki: “I hope she takes after me, not her dad. I don’t want a crybaby!”

Sayori: “You’ll be a great mom, Natsuki! I can already see the bond you’ll have with her. You just need to remember to give her love and snacks!”

Natsuki: (smirking) “Snacks? That’s a given! I’ll make sure she inherits my baking skills. Imagine Sakura whipping up cupcakes with me one day!”

Monika: “And you can teach her all the important life lessons about strong character! Just like in the books Yuri always talks about.”

Sayori: “Yeah! Like how to be kind and compassionate. I’m sure Yuri will have some great stories for her too.”

Natsuki: “Ugh, let’s hope she doesn’t turn Sakura into a know-it-all like her- GAH!!! Okay…that definitely wasn’t just a kick…”

Monika: “Natsuki! Are you sure everything is okay? Is it… um, time?”

Natsuki: (breathing heavily) “I-I think it might be! This feels different! I didn’t expect this to happen now!”

Sayori: “Oh my gosh! Should we call a teacher? What do we do?”

Monika: “We need to stay calm. Natsuki, can you tell us if you’re having contractions or if it’s just the baby moving?”

Natsuki: “It’s… it feels like contractions, but they’re not super close together yet. I don’t know! I didn’t plan for this!”

Sayori: “What if she comes before we reach the hospital? What if we have to deliver her here?!”

Monika: “Okay, just breathe, Natsuki. Focus on your breathing. We’re going to get you help. Sayori, help me find a way to contact someone!”

Natsuki: “No, wait! I don’t want to make a big deal out of this! I can do it! I’ll just take a few deep breaths and—”

(Suddenly, the door swings open, and Yuri enters, visibly flustered.)

Yuri: “Sorry, I’m late! I lost track of time while I was—Natsuki! What’s wrong?!”

Natsuki: “Yuri?! I think… I think Sakura is coming!”

Yuri: “What? Right now? We need to get you somewhere safe—Monika! Sayori! What are you all doing?”

Monika: “We’re trying to keep Natsuki calm. You know something about this, don’t you?”

Yuri: “A little. Just breathe, Natsuki. I’ll get some supplies we might need. Can you move?”

Natsuki: “I—I think so…”

Sayori: “I’m so scared! What can I do to help?”

Monika: “Maybe you can keep Natsuki focused! Talk to her, Sayori. What’s something that always makes her smile?”

Sayori: “Okay! Natsuki, remember that time we had that bake-off and you made those amazing strawberry shortcakes? Everyone raved about them!”

Natsuki: “Y-Yeah, I remember…”

(Yuri rushes back with a few items she managed to gather from the clubroom.)

Yuri: “Okay, I have some clean towels and water. Natsuki, if you start feeling the need to push, let me know immediately.”

Natsuki: (clutching her stomach) “I can’t believe this is happening! I didn’t even finish my story about the festival!”

Monika: “Don’t worry about that right now. This is the most important thing. Just focus on your breathing and remember, we’re all here for you.”

Sayori: “And after Sakura is here, we’ll have a grand celebration! Think about all the cupcakes you could make to celebrate!”

Natsuki: “You better not eat them all before I get a chance to taste them, Sayori!”

(Suddenly, Natsuki gasps, and she grips the edge of the table.)

Natsuki: “I-I think my water just broke! I’ve got to