(In the school literature clubroom…)

Monika: “Okay, now we just need MC. He said he’d be here soon.”

Yuri: “I’m sure he’ll be here any minute. He wouldn’t miss one of our club meetings.”

Natsuki: “Yeah, he’s probably just running late. He’s always so busy with all his other activities.”

Sayori: “Don’t worry, he’ll show up. He never lets us down.”

Monika: “I believe in him. He always brings such valuable insight to our discussions.”

Natsuki: “Hopefully he brings some water, too. I’ve been having Braxton Hicks contractions all day.”

Yuri: “Oh wow, Natsuki, you should really take it easy. Maybe MC can help you out with that when he gets here.”

Sayori: “I’ll make sure to remind him to bring some water for you, Natsuki. We want you to be comfortable during our meeting.”

Monika: “Let’s just start without him for now and hopefully he’ll join us soon. We have a lot to discuss today.”

(Yuri, Sayori, and Monika start discussing the next book they will be reading for the club while they wait for MC to arrive.)

Monika: “Natsuki, how strong are the contractions you’re having? Do you need to go see a doctor or something?”

Natsuki: “They’re…aah!…getting more frequent, but I think I can tough it out for now. Hopefully they’ll stop soon.”

Yuri: “Maybe we should call someone to come pick you up and take you to the hospital just in case.”

Sayori: “I’ll call your dad, Natsuki. He can come get you and make sure you’re okay.”

Natsuki: “Thanks, Sayori. I appreciate it. I’ll let you guys know how it goes once I get checked out- …oh…oh, gosh…oh, dear…”

Monika: “Natsuki, are you okay? What’s happening?”

Natsuki: “I…I think my water just broke…”

Yuri: “Oh my goodness! Okay, that’s it - I’m calling the ambulance right now. Natsuki, stay calm, we’ll make sure you’re taken care of. Sayori, keep talking to Natsuki and try to keep her calm while we wait for help to arrive.”

(Sayori tries her best to comfort Natsuki while Monika and Yuri make the necessary calls.)

Natsuki: “Oh, gosh, this is happening so fast…I didn’t expect to go into labor during a literature club meeting…”

Monika: “It’s okay, Natsuki. Just focus on staying calm and breathing. The ambulance will be here soon and they’ll take care of you.”

(Yuri is on the phone with the ambulance dispatcher, relaying Natsuki’s condition and location.)

Yuri: “They’re on their way, Natsuki. Just hang in there. You’re going to be okay.”

Sayori: “We’re all here for you, Natsuki. You’re going to be a great mom.”

(Natsuki nods, tears streaming down her face as she tries to stay calm and breathe through the contractions. However, minutes go by without a sign of the ambulance arriving, causing the group to become increasingly worried.)

Monika: “Where are they? They should have been here by now…”

Yuri: “I’ll call them again and see what’s taking so long.”

(Suddenly, the door bursts open and MC rushes in, looking panicked and out of breath.)

MC: “I’m so sorry I’m late, guys! I got caught in traffic- oh my god, Natsuki, are you okay? What’s happening?”

Sayori: “MC, Natsuki’s water broke and she’s in labor. We’ve called an ambulance, but they’re taking forever to get here.”

MC: “Oh gosh, okay. Natsuki, hang in there. I’m here now, and I’ll make sure you’re taken care of.”

(MC helps set up a makeshift delivery area in case the baby starts coming before the ambulance arrives, doing his best to stay calm and reassure Natsuki.)

Natsuki: “Thank you, MC. I’m so scared…”

MC: “It’s alright, Natsuki. You’re strong, and we’re all here to support you. Just keep breathing and stay focused.”

(As they wait for the ambulance, MC continues to comfort and support Natsuki, while the rest of the club members do their best to stay calm and reassure her. However, as Natsuki lets out an agonizing