(In the clubroom…)

Monika: “Um…where’s Natsuki?”

Sayori: “Hmm…I’m not sure. She was here just a little while ago. Maybe she went to grab something to eat?”

Monika: “That could be. She does usually get hungry pretty quickly.”

Yuri: “Well, I hope she comes back soon. We were going to discuss some ideas for the next literature club event.”

Sayori: “Oh yeah, I’m excited to hear what everyone came up with!”

Monika: “Me too. It’s always interesting to see the creativity that goes into planning these events.”

(Meanwhile, at a hospital…)

Doctor: “I take it you’re here for an ultrasound, Natsuki?”

Natsuki: “Yeah, that’s right. I wanted to make sure everything’s alright with little Sakura. I’m in my seventh month now.”

Doctor: “That’s great to hear, Natsuki. Let’s get started then. Just lie back and relax, and we’ll take a look at little Sakura.”

Natsuki: (lies back on the examination table) “I’m a bit nervous, but I’m really looking forward to seeing her again.”

Doctor: “It’s completely normal to feel nervous, but don’t worry, we’ll take good care of you. Now, let’s apply some gel on your belly. It might be a bit cold, but it helps the ultrasound device glide smoothly.”

Natsuki: (shivers slightly) “Okay, I’m ready.”

Doctor: (starts moving the ultrasound device over Natsuki’s belly) “There we go. Can you see the screen? That’s your baby right there.”

Natsuki: (gazes at the monitor, a smile spread across her face) “Wow, she’s getting bigger, isn’t she? Look at those tiny little hands!”

Doctor: “Yes, she’s growing well. And her heart rate sounds strong too. Everything seems to be in order.”

Natsuki: (teary-eyed) “Thank you, Doctor. This makes me so happy. I can’t wait to meet her.”

Doctor: “I’m glad to see how excited you are. Being a mother is a wonderful experience. Now, let me take some measurements and capture a few images for you.”

(Back at the clubroom, Natsuki returns…)

Natsuki: (breathless) “Sorry, everyone! I got held up. But guess what? I just had an ultrasound, and Sakura is doing great! She’s growing so fast! Here, take a look!”

(Monika, Yuri, and Sayori gather around Natsuki, looking at the ultrasound image with excitement.)

Monika: “Oh wow, Natsuki, this is amazing! Sakura looks so precious! Congratulations!”

Yuri: “She truly is a miracle. I’m so happy for you, Natsuki. Being a mother will be a wonderful experience for you.”

Sayori: “Aww, look at her little button nose! And those tiny fingers! I can’t wait to meet her too, Natsuki!”

Natsuki: (blushing) “Thanks, everyone. I’m really looking forward to becoming a mom. Knowing that Sakura is healthy and growing well just fills me with so much joy.” (noticing little movements in her belly) “Aww, Sakura, you’re kicking in there, aren’t you? You’re already so lively just like your mom.”

Monika: “That’s so sweet, Natsuki! It’s incredible how connected you’re already feeling with Sakura. She’s going to have an amazing mom.”

Yuri: “Indeed. The bond between a mother and child is something truly special. I’m certain Sakura will grow up surrounded by love and care.”

Sayori: “And we’ll all be here to support you, Natsuki. We’re like a family in the literature club, after all. We can’t wait to meet Sakura and see her grow too!”

Natsuki: (smiling) “Thank you, everyone. Your support means the world to me. I’m grateful to have you all in my life.” (rubbing her belly gently) “Sakura, we’re going to have so much fun together. I can’t wait to read stories to you and share all the things I love. We’ll make the literature club proud.”

Monika: “Absolutely, Natsuki. And when the time comes, we’ll be sure to plan a special literature club event to celebrate Sakura’s arrival. It’ll be a day filled with love and happiness.”

Yuri: “That sounds like a wonderful idea. Sakura’s presence will bring a whole new level of warmth and joy to the literature club.”

Sayori: “Yes! And when she’s old enough, we can even introduce her to our favorite poems and books. I bet she’ll have a natural talent for literature, just like her mom!”

Natsuki: (blushing) “You think so? That would be amazing. I’ll do my best to nurture her love for literature and all the other things that make life beautiful.”

Monika: “We’re all here to support you, Natsuki. And I know you’ll make a fantastic mother. Sakura is lucky to have you.”

Natsuki: (overwhelmed with gratitude) “Thank you, everyone. I couldn’t ask for better friends. Let’s all continue to create beautiful memories together, both in the literature club and on this incredible journey of motherhood.”

(Later that night, after the club meeting…)

(Natsuki sits on her bed, holding the ultrasound image close to her heart. She gently whispers to Sakura, feeling an overwhelming sense of love and anticipation.)

Natsuki: “You know, Sakura, I never imagined my life would turn out like this. I always thought I was alone, that nobody cared about me. But now, I have the literature club, and I have you. I have a family, and I couldn’t be happier.”

(She rests her hand on her belly, feeling Sakura’s gentle movements beneath her touch.)

Natsuki: “I promise to always protect you, Sakura. I’ll be there for you, guiding and supporting you every step of the way. We’ll face life’s challenges together, and we’ll celebrate your victories with joy. You have so much love waiting for you, and I can’t wait to experience all the precious moments we’ll share.”

(As she looks out the window, gazing at the stars, Natsuki feels a renewed sense of purpose and hope. She knows that no matter what challenges may come, she and Sakura will face them with strength and determination.)

Natsuki: “Goodnight, Sakura. Dream sweetly, my little miracle.”

(And with a contented smile on her face, Natsuki drifts off to sleep, brimming with excitement for the beautiful future she envisions with her beloved daughter by her side. But as she tries to sleep…)

Natsuki: “…did…did my water just break?”

(Startled, Natsuki quickly sits up and feels a gush of water between her legs.)

Natsuki: “Oh my goodness! This can’t be happening already!”

(She reaches for her phone and prepares to her doctor’s number, but then notices what time it was.)

Natsuki: “It’s 3 in the morning! I don’t think the doctor’s office is open right now. What do I do?”

(Natsuki quickly thinks back to her pregnancy books and remembers reading about what to do when her water breaks.)

Natsuki: “I need to go to the hospital. They’ll know what to do- AAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!!”

(Natsuki clutches her belly in pain as she goes into active labor. She takes deep breaths, trying to calm herself as she prepares to push.)

Natsuki: “Okay, okay, I can do this. Just breathe, Natsuki. You’ve got to be strong for Sakura.”

(She reaches for her phone again and dials emergency services.)

Operator: “911, what’s your emergency?”

Natsuki: (in between contractions) “Hi, my water broke, and I’m in active labor! I need to go to the hospital!”

Operator: “Alright, ma’am. Stay calm. Help is on the way. Is there anyone with you who can assist?”

Natsuki: (through gritted teeth) “No, I’m alone. But I can handle this. Just please hurry!”

Operator: “An ambulance is on its way, Natsuki. In the meantime, try to find a comfortable position and focus on your breathing. I’ll stay on the line with you until help arrives.”

(Natsuki manages to find a comfortable position on her bed, using pillows to support her back. She continues to breathe deeply, trying to stay calm despite the pain.)

Operator: “You’re doing great, Natsuki. Just remember to breathe through each contraction and push when you feel the urge. Help should be there soon.”

Natsuki: (taking deep breaths) “Okay, I can do this. Sakura, we’re going to meet very soon. Just hold on a little longer.”

(Several minutes pass, and Natsuki continues to labor through contractions with the support of the operator on the phone. Soon, the sound of sirens can be heard outside.)

Operator: “Natsuki, do you hear the sirens? The ambulance is here. They’ll take care of you now. Just stay on the line until they arrive.”

(Natsuki hears the ambulance doors opening and footsteps approaching her door. A paramedic enters her room.)

Paramedic: “Hi there, Natsuki. I’m here to help you. How are you feeling?”

Natsuki: (panting) “I’m in a lot of pain, but I’m ready to meet my baby-”

(Suddenly, Natsuki’s body is wracked with pain as she starts pushing - signaling she needs to give birth on the spot.)

Natsuki: “Oh no, I can’t hold it anymore! I need to push!”