(In the school literature clubroom…)

Monika: “Natsuki, are you okay?”

(Natsuki grips her belly tightly as another contraction hits her.)

Natsuki: (gritting her teeth) “Yeah…I’m fine…just a little…” (winces) “Uncomfortable…”

Monika: (concerned) “Are you sure? We should call for help or get you to a hospital.”

Natsuki: (taking a deep breath) “No, it’s okay. This is just Braxton Hicks. It’s normal during pregnancy.” (tries to relax her muscles)

Monika: (still worried) “But Natsuki, you’re in so much pain. Maybe it’s best to be safe and get checked out.”

Natsuki: (smiling weakly) “I appreciate your concern, Monika, but I’ve talked to my doctor about it. They said it’s normal. I just need to breathe through it and wait for them to pass.”

Sayori: (rushing in) “Guys! What’s going on?”

Monika: “Natsuki’s having contractions, but she insists it’s Braxton Hicks.”

Sayori: (looking concerned) “Are you sure? Maybe we should call an ambulance just in case.”

Natsuki: (holding onto her belly) “No, Sayori. Trust me, I’ve already talked to my doctor. It’s supposed to happen during the last trimester. It’s uncomfortable, but it’s not an emergency.”

Yuri: (entering the room with a worried expression) “I couldn’t help overhearing. Natsuki, are you certain about this? It might be safer to seek medical attention.”

Natsuki: (taking a deep breath) “I understand your concerns, Yuri, but I trust my doctor. They assured me these contractions are normal during pregnancy. I just have to bear with it until they subside.”

Monika: (placing a comforting hand on Natsuki’s shoulder) “If you’re sure, Natsuki, then we’ll support you through this. Just let us know if you need anything.”

Natsuki: (smiling gratefully) “Thanks, guys. I appreciate your concern, but I think I’ll be okay. We’ll continue the literature club meeting once these contractions p-” (gasps in shock) “Guys, I think my water just broke!”

Monika: (frantically) “Oh no! We need to get you to the hospital now!”

Sayori: (panicking) “Should I call an ambulance? What do we do?”

Natsuki: (trying to stay calm) “Yes, call an ambulance, Sayori. And someone grab my bag, it’s in the corner over th-” (feeling an even more intense contraction) “AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!! OH, IT’S COMING!!!”

(The girls quickly spring into action, with Monika dialing emergency services while Yuri and Sayori grab Natsuki’s bag.)

Monika: (on the phone) “Please hurry, my friend is in labor and she needs to get to the hospital immediately!”

Operator: “Stay calm, help is on the way. Is she in a comfortable position?”

Yuri: (grabbing a nearby blanket) “Here, Natsuki. Sit down and try to relax as best as you can.”

Natsuki: (clutching onto Yuri) “O-Okay…th-thank you.”

Sayori: (running back with Natsuki’s bag) “I got it, Natsuki! Everything you need is right here.”

Natsuki: (breathing heavily) “Good…thanks, Sayori.”

Monika: (ending the call) “The ambulance will be here any minute now. Just hang in there, Natsuki.”

Natsuki: (gritting her teeth) “I-I can do this…I can do this…”

(As the contractions become more intense, the girls do their best to provide comfort and support. Yuri guides Natsuki through some breathing exercises, while Monika holds her hand and offers reassurance. Sayori tries to keep the atmosphere as calm as possible.)

Sayori: (softly) “Remember, Natsuki, your baby is going to be so lucky to have you as their mom. You’re strong and brave.”

Natsuki: (teary-eyed) “Thank you, S-” (eyes widen in shock) “Uh…guys?!”

Monika: “What is it, Natsuki?”

Natsuki: (panicking) “I…I think baby’s head is crowning!”