(In the school literature clubroom…)

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

Sayori: “I hope she didn’t get lost in one of her books again. She’s always getting lost in those worlds of hers.”

Natsuki: “Yeah, she’s so mysterious sometimes. I bet she’s reading some creepy, old book that no one’s ever heard of.”

Monika: “Let’s not jump to conclusions, girls. Yuri is just passionate about literature, that’s all.”

Natsuki: “I’ll see what I can do to find her. I bet she’s in the library again. She practically lives in there.”

(Natsuki heads off to the library, leaving Sayori and Monika in the clubroom.)

Sayori: “Do you think she’s okay, Monika?”

Monika: “I’m sure she’s fine, Sayori. Yuri can handle herself, she just gets lost in her thoughts sometimes. We all have our own ways of escaping reality.”

Sayori: “I guess you’re right. I just worry about her sometimes, you know?”

Monika: “I understand, Sayori. We all care about each other here, that’s why we’re all part of the literature club. We’re like a family in a way. And speaking of family…”

(Monika lifts up her uniform, revealing her baby bump.)

Monika: “…my little girl’s excited for the meeting, too.”

Sayori: “Oh my gosh, Monika, that’s wonderful news! Congratulations! I bet she’s going to love literature just like her mom.”

Monika: (lowering her uniform) “Thank you, Sayori. I can’t wait to share my love of books with her. But let’s focus on finding Yuri for now. Natsuki should be back soon.”

(Suddenly, Natsuki bursts into the room, with Yuri following behind her.)

Natsuki: “I found her! She was actually in the library, just like I predicted. She was so engrossed in her book, she didn’t even notice me.”

Yuri: “I-I apologize for being late, I lost t-track of time. B-But I’m here now, ready for the meeting.”

Monika: “No need to apologize, Yuri. We’re just glad you’re here.”

Yuri: “Thank you, M-Monika. I’m looking f-forward to discussing literature w-with all of you today.”

Monika: (holding her belly) “GAH! Ow!”

Yuri: “O-Oh my goodness, a-are you okay, Monika? S-Should I call for help?”

Monika: “No, no, it’s just…aah!…a little kick from my baby girl. She must be…ugh!…excited for the meeting too.”

Sayori: “Monika, you sure you’re alright? Should we call the nurse or something?"

Monika: “No, no, I’m fine. Just a little…ah!…surprise kick, that’s all. Let’s get started with the-”

(Suddenly, Monika’s water breaks.)

Monika: “Oh no…my water just broke. Looks like we won’t be having our meeting today after all.”

Sayori: “Oh my goodness, Monika! We need to get you to the hospital right away!”

Monika: “I…I don’t think I can…make it to the hospital in time. I think…I think I’m going into labor right here.”

Yuri: “W-What do we do? W-What do we do?!”

Natsuki: “Don’t worry, Monika. We’ll take care of you. Sayori, call for an ambulance. Yuri, grab some towels and water. We’ll make do with what we have until help arrives.”

(Sayori quickly calls the ambulance while Yuri rushes to get towels and water. Natsuki helps Monika to a more comfortable position on the floor.)

Natsuki: “Hang in there, Monika. We’ve got you. You’re going to be okay. Just focus on your breathing.”

Monika: (breathing heavily) “Th-thank you, girls. I can’t believe this is happening right now.”

(Yuri returns with towels and water, helping to keep Monika comfortable as they wait for the ambulance to arrive.)

Sayori: “The ambulance is on its way, Monika. Just hold on a little longer.”

Monika: (smiling through the pain) “I’m so grateful to have all of you here with me. I couldn’t ask for a better support system.”

(Just then, the ambulance arrives and the paramedics rush to Monika’s side.)

Paramedic: “Alright, let’s get you to the hospital, ma’am. Everything is going to be okay.”

Monika: “Thank you, everyone. I’ll see- AAAAAAAH!!!”

Sayori: “