(In the school literature clubroom…)

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

Yuri: “Thank you, Monika. You always do such a great job with the presentations and activities.”

Sayori: “I can’t wait to discuss the new book we’re reading. I have so many thoughts and ideas already.”

Monika: “Anything to add, Natsuki?”

(Monika turns towards Natsuki’s chair, but notices it empty)

Monika: “Hmm, where’s Natsuki? She’s never late for a meeting.”

Yuri: “Maybe she got caught up in something. I’m sure she’ll be here soon.”

Sayori: “I hope so, I was looking forward to hearing her thoughts on the book.”

(Meanwhile, at Natsuki’s place…)

Natsuki: “Of all times to have contractions…it had to be now?! I was just on my way to the literature club meeting! Great, just great. How am I supposed to explain this to the others?!”

(Suddenly, a wave of pain hits Natsuki and she has to sit down on her bed, breathing heavily.)

Nurse: (knocking on the door) “Natsuki, are you alright in there?”

Natsuki: (panicking) “I-I think… I think I’m going into labor…”

Nurse: (rushing in) “Oh my goodness! Okay, let’s get you to the hospital right away. Don’t worry, everything will be okay.”

Natsuki: (tearfully) “But…but what about the literature club meeting? I have to tell them…”

Nurse: “Your health and your baby’s health are the only priorities right now, Natsuki. We’ll let them know what happened, don’t worry.”

Natsuki: “Okay, thank you. I just hope they- AAGH!!!”

Nurse: “It looks like the contractions are starting to pick up. Just focus on your breathing and try to stay calm. We’ll get you to the hospital as quickly as possible.”

Natsuki: (nodding, through tears) “Okay, okay…”

(Meanwhile, back at the literature club…)

Monika: “I’m starting to get really worried about Natsuki. She’s never just missed a meeting like this before.”

Yuri: “I agree. Maybe we should try calling her?”

Sayori: “Good idea, Monika. Let’s see if she picks up.”

(They dial Natsuki’s number and it goes straight to voicemail.)

Yuri: “It went straight to voicemail. That’s not like her…”

Monika: “I’m starting to get a bad feeling about this. Maybe we should go check on her?”

Sayori: “I agree. Let’s go see if she’s okay.”

(The three girls quickly pack up and head to Natsuki’s house, praying that everything is alright with their friend.)

(On the way to the hospital…)

Nurse: “Hang in there, Natsuki. We’re almost at the hospital.”

Natsuki: “I-I’m trying, but it hurts so much…”

Nurse: “I know, but you’re doing great. Just a little bit longer, and you’ll get to meet your baby.”

Natsuki: “Thank you for being here with me. I’m so scared and I don’t know what to- …oh no…!”

(Natsuki’s water breaks before they arrive at the hospital, and her baby starts coming faster than expected.)

Nurse: “Oh my goodness! We need to get you inside right away!”

Natsuki: “I-I can’t! I need to push!”

Nurse: “Natsuki, I know you need to push, but we need to get you inside the hospital. Can you hold on just a little bit longer?”

Natsuki: “I-I-I don’t think I can! It’s too strong!”

Nurse: “Okay, okay, just focus on your breathing. We’re almost there.”

(Just as they pull up to the hospital entrance, Natsuki lets out an agonizing scream as the pain becomes to much for her to bear.)

Natsuki: (screaming) “