(In the clubroom…)

Monika: “Wait a minute…where’s Natsuki?”

Yuri: “You’re right, Monika. She hasn’t shown up yet. Sayori, can you give her a call?”

Sayori: “Of course, Yuri! Let me just grab my phone.” (reaching into her bag and pulling out her phone) “Alright, I’ll give her a call right now.”

(Sayori dials Natsuki’s number and waits for her to pick up.)

Natsuki: (through the phone, albeit in slight pain) “Hello?”

Sayori: “Hey Natsuki, it’s Sayori. We were all wondering where you are. Are you coming to the club?”

Natsuki: “Oh, hey Sayori. Sorry, I got caught up with…aah!…something at home. I didn’t realize it was club day. I’ll be there as soon as I can.”

Yuri: “Is everything alright? You sound a bit off.”

Natsuki: “Yeah, everything’s fine…nnnnnnngh!…just had a bit of a rough morning. But don’t worry, I’ll be there soon.”

Monika: “Are you sure you’re okay, Natsuki? We can give you some more time if you need it.”

Natsuki: “No, really, I’ll be fine. Just a little…ugh!..headache. I’ll take some medicine and be there soon. Promise.”

Sayori: “Alright, take your time, Natsuki. We’ll save you a seat.”

Yuri: “If there’s anything we can do to help, please let us know.”

Natsuki: “Thanks, guys. I appreciate it. I’ll see you soon. Bye now.”

(Sayori hangs up the phone and turns to the others.)

Sayori: “Natsuki said she’ll be here shortly. Hopefully, she’ll feel better soon.”

Monika: “Let’s hope so. In the meantime, let’s prepare for the club meeting. Yuri, would you mind setting up the tea?”

Yuri: “Not at all, Monika. I’ll brew some fresh tea for everyone.”

(As the club members prepare for the meeting, they all hope that Natsuki’s rough morning will pass and that she’ll be able to join them soon. All of a sudden, Monika’s phone rings.)

Monika: “Oh, it’s a call from Natsuki. Hello?”

Natsuki: (through the phone, sounding even more in pain) “Monika…the pain’s getting worse. I…I think something’s wrong with little Sakura. She’s not kicking as much as she used to…and the pain is so intense. I’m only 7 months pregnant…”

Monika: “Natsuki, that sounds really serious. You should go to the hospital right away. I’ll call an ambulance for you.”

Natsuki: “I’m scared, Monika. What if something happens to Sakura? I don’t want to lose her.”

Yuri: “Natsuki, try to stay calm. We’re here for you. The best thing to do right now is to seek medical help. They’ll know what to do.”

Sayori: “Natsuki, I can come with you if you want. I’ll support you no matter what happens. We’ll get through this together.”

Natsuki: “Thank you, Sayori. I don’t want to be alone right now.”

Monika: “Don’t worry, Natsuki, we’ll figure this out. Sayori and I will meet you at the hospital. Yuri, can you collect our things and lock up the clubroom?”

Yuri: “Of course, Monika. Please take care, Natsuki.”

(The club members quickly gather their belongings and rush to the hospital. They meet Natsuki in the waiting area where she’s visibly anxious.)

Natsuki: “I’m so scared, you guys. What if something’s really wrong?”

Monika: “Natsuki, we’re here for you. Whatever happens, we’ll support you. Let’s stay positive and hope for the best.”

(Soon, a doctor calls Natsuki’s name and they all follow him into an examination room. There, Natsuki is screaming in pain.)

Doctor: “Alright, Natsuki, we’re going to do a thorough examination and run some tests to determine what’s causing your pain. It’s important to remain calm and let us take care of you.”

Natsuki: “O-okay… Please, just tell me my baby is going to be okay.”

Sayori: “Natsuki, we’re all here for you. You’re not alone.”

Yuri: “The doctors have the expertise to handle this situation. Let’s have faith in them and stay positive.”

(The doctor continues to examine Natsuki, checking her vitals and monitoring the baby’s heartbeat. After some tense moments, he turns to them with a serious expression.)

Doctor: “I’m sorry to say this, but Natsuki, there are complications with your pregnancy. You’re experiencing premature labor, and we need to perform an emergency C-section to ensure the safety of both you and the baby.”

Natsuki: “Oh no… Please, do whatever it takes to save my baby.”

Monika: “Natsuki, it’s going to be alright. The doctors know what they’re doing. We’ll be right here with you throughout the whole process.”

Natsuki: (feeling another intense contraction) “AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!! S-S-She’s coming! SHE’S COMING!!”

(As Natsuki screams in pain, her water breaks - signaling that she was now full dilated.)

Natsuki: (gasps) “Oh gosh, my water just broke!”

Doctor: “Alright, Natsuki, it’s time. We’re going to take you into the operating room for the C-section. Your friends can wait in the waiting area and we’ll keep them updated.”

Natsuki: “There’s no time! I can feel her head come through!”

Doctor: “Okay, Natsuki. We need to move quickly th-”

(Suddenly, Natsuki lets out a piercing scream as a contraction overwhelms her. She was about to give birth.)

Natsuki: (through gritted teeth) “I can’t… I can’t wait any longer! Please, do something!”