(In the school literature clubroom…)

Monika: “Alright, now that everyone’s here, let’s begin the meeting. Natsuki, you can go first-” (noticing Natsuki clutching her swollen belly) “…Natsuki?”

Natsuki: (inhales sharply) “Ugh…it’s nothing, really. Just a stomach ache, that’s all.”

Monika: (concerned) “Are you sure? You seem to be in quite a bit of pain. Maybe you should sit down and take it easy.”

Natsuki: (grimacing) “I…I can handle it. We have important club matters to discuss, right? I don’t want to be a burden.”

Sayori: (jumping up) “Wait! I think Natsuki should take a break. She never complains about something unless it’s really bad, right?”

Yuri: (nodding) “Sayori is right. Health should always come first. The club can wait. Natsuki, please sit down and let us know how we can help.”

Natsuki: (hesitant) “I…okay, fine. But only if we can hurry with the meeting. I don’t want to waste everyone’s time.”

Monika: (smiling) “Of course, Natsuki. We’ll make it quick. Now, does anyone have any updates or suggestions?”

Natsuki: (thinking to herself) “Please be okay, Sakura…”

Yuri: “I’ve been researching different writing techniques that could improve our poetry. Maybe we could have a mini workshop to share and discuss them?”

Sayori: “Oh, that sounds fun! We could all learn from each other and become even better writers!”

Monika: “That’s a great idea, Yuri. We can definitely set something up. Anything else?”

Natsuki: “OW!!! Oh no…!”

Monika: (concerned) “Natsuki, are you alright? What’s wrong?”

Natsuki: (holding her stomach) “I-I think my stomach ache just got worse…it really hurts…”

Yuri: (worried) “Natsuki, maybe we should call the nurse or ask a teacher for help. This seems serious.”

Sayori: (panicking) “Oh no, Natsuki! We can’t just ignore this. Let’s get you some help right away!”

Monika: (taking charge) “Alright, Sayori, go find a teacher and explain the situation. Yuri, help me support Natsuki while we wait for assistance.”

(The girls quickly act, making sure Natsuki is comfortable and not left alone. However, when Monika puts her hand on Natsuki’s belly, her eyes widen in realization.)

Monika: (shocked) “…oh my god…”

Natsuki: (confused and concerned) “What? What’s wrong, Monika?”

Monika: (taking a deep breath) “…active preterm labor.”

Natsuki: (frantically) “What?! But it’s not time yet! I’m not ready! I just need two more months!”

Yuri: (trying to stay calm) “Natsuki, we won’t have time to wait. We need to deliver this baby NOW. Sayori, go get the towels!”

(Sayori rushes out of the clubroom to find towels, while Yuri and Monika continue to support Natsuki.)

Monika: (firmly) “Natsuki, we’re going to do everything we can to help you and the baby. Stay strong, okay?”

Natsuki: (teary-eyed) “I’m scared, Monika. What if something goes wrong?”

Yuri: (assuringly) “We won’t let anything happen to you or your baby, Natsuki. Just focus on breathing and staying as calm as possible.”

(Sayori returns with towels and helps Monika and Yuri prepare a makeshift birthing area, ready to deliver Natsuki’s baby in case she feels the need to push.)

Monika: (encouragingly) “You’re doing great, Natsuki. Just keep breathing and stay focused. We’re here for you.”

Natsuki: (gritting her teeth) “I…I can’t believe this is happening.”

Yuri: “It’s going to be okay, Natsuki. We’re all here to support you. Just remember to breathe and follow your body’s lead.”

(Suddenly, the door bursts open and the school nurse rushes in, followed by a teacher.)

Nurse: “What’s going on here?”

Monika: “Natsuki is in active preterm labor. We called for help, but it was happening too fast.”

Natsuki: “I didn’t want this to happen right now…it’s still to early for Sakura to come into the world…”

Teacher: (calmly) “We’re going to take care of you, Natsuki. The paramedics are on their way. Just hold on a little longer.”

Nurse: (assessing Natsuki’s condition) “Alright, let’s get her on a stretcher and prepare for transport. Monika, Yuri, could you gather her belongings?”

Monika: (nodding) “Of course, Nurse. We’ll make sure everything is taken care of. Natsuki, try to stay calm. Help is on the way.”

Natsuki: (teary-eyed) “Thank you, everyone. I’m sorry for-” (stopping mid-sentence) “…oh no…”