(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) “OHHHHHHHH!!!”

(The atmosphere in the room becomes urgent as everyone springs into action. Monika quickly dials for an ambulance while Yuri rushes to grab Natsuki’s bag. Sayori, with a trembling hand, grabs her phone and makes the call.)

Sayori: (nervously speaking into the phone) “Hello? We need an ambulance right away! Our friend is in labor and her water just broke.”

Dispatcher: “Okay, ma’am, stay calm. I’m sending help immediately. Can you tell me your location?”

Sayori: (quickly relaying the information) “We’re at [insert school name], in the literature clubroom.”

Dispatcher: “Alright, help is on the way. Just make sure she’s comfortable, and try to keep her calm.”

Monika: “We will. Thank you!”

(Yuri returns with Natsuki’s bag, ensuring that it contains all the necessary items for the hospital.)

Yuri: “Here, Natsuki. I have your bag ready.”

Natsuki: (through gritted teeth) “Thanks, Yuri. Just…just keep breathing…it’ll be fine.”

(Monika and Sayori support Natsuki as gently as they can, helping her out of the clubroom and into the hallway. They carefully make their way towards the school entrance, where the ambulance can easily reach them.)

Monika: (trying to reassure Natsuki) “You’re doing great, Natsuki. Help will be here soon, and you’ll be in safe hands.”

Sayori: (offering a shaky smile) “Yeah, just a little longer, Natsuki. You’re so strong!”

(Natsuki’s contractions continue to intensify, causing her to struggle with the pain. Suddenly, the pain gets too intense to endure and she lets out an agonizing scream.)