(In the school literature clubroom…)

Monika: “Just keep breathing, Sayori, the ambulance should be here soon.” (turning towards Natsuki - who’s timing Sayori’s contractions) “Are they getting any closer?”

Natsuki: (checking her stopwatch) “Yeah, they’re definitely more frequent now. About four minutes apart.”

Monika: (placing a comforting hand on Sayori’s shoulder) “You’re doing great, Sayori. Just hang in there a little longer.”

Sayori: (gritting her teeth) “I-I’m trying, Monika. This pain…it’s intense.”

Yuri: (entering the room with a towel and a glass of water) “Here, Sayori. Drink some water and let me put this cold towel on your forehead. It may help with the discomfort.”

Sayori: (nodding weakly) “Th-thank you, Yuri.”

Monika: (glancing at the entrance) “Where is that ambulance?”

Natsuki: “I’ll call them again.”

(Natsuki takes out her phone and dials the emergency hotline.)

Monika: (rubbing Sayori’s back) “We’re all here for you, Sayori. You’re not alone.”

Sayori: (taking a deep breath) “I know, Monika. I couldn’t ask for better friends.”

Yuri: (trying to distract Sayori) “Um, would you like me to read something while we wait for the ambulance? Maybe a poem to take your mind off things?”

Sayori: (smiling weakly) “That sounds nice, Yuri. Please go ahead.”

Yuri: (clearing her throat) “All right. This one is called ‘A Breath of Life’…”

(As Yuri begins reading, the atmosphere in the room shifts. The focus on Sayori’s pain starts to diminish, replaced by the soothing rhythm of words. Time seems to slow down, creating a moment of respite amidst the chaos. All of a sudden, Sayori lets out a loud cry, interrupting Yuri’s reading. Everyone freezes in place, their attention fully on Sayori.)

Sayori: (in tears) “I-I think…the baby’s coming…! I’ve got to push!”

Monika: “Sayori, we need to wait for the ambulance to arrive! Just try to hold on a little longer! It’s too dangerous to deliver the baby here!”

Sayori: “I can’t…I can’t wait any longer! The baby is coming now!”

Natsuki: “Sayori, listen to Monika. We need to wait for the professionals. It’s not safe to deliver the baby here without proper medical assistance.”

Sayori: (panicking) “But I can’t! The pain is too much! I don’t know what to do!”

Monika: (trying to remain calm) “Take deep breaths, Sayori. We’ll figure this out. We just need to stay calm and focused. Natsuki, keep trying to get through to the ambulance, we need them here as soon as possible.”

Natsuki: (frustrated) “I’ve been calling them nonstop, but it just rings and no one answers!”

Yuri: (thinking quickly) “Is there anyone else we can contact? Maybe a nearby hospital or a neighbor who has medical experience?”

Monika: (looking around) “We don’t have anyone else nearby. Our best option right now is to keep trying for the ambulance.”

Sayori: (straining) “AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!! IT’S COMING!!!”

(Monika, Natsuki, and Yuri exchange panicked glances, realizing that they have no other choice but to deliver the baby themselves. They gather supplies from the clubroom and quickly set up an improvised birthing area.)

Monika: (determined) “Okay, Sayori, we’re going to do this. Natsuki, grab some towels and warm water. Yuri, find anything we can use as sterile gloves. We need to make sure everything is as clean as possible.”

Natsuki: (rushing to gather supplies) “I…I can’t believe this is happening. Sayori, just hold on a little longer, okay? We’re going to do our best for you and the baby.”

Yuri: (searching through cabinets) “I found some gloves and antiseptic wipes. It’s not ideal, but it’s better than nothing. Let me help you put them on, Natsuki.”

(Monika tries to keep Sayori calm, reassuring her and providing support as she begins to push. The clubroom fills with a mixture of fear, urgency, and determination.)

Monika: (encouraging) “You’re doing amazing, Sayori. Just keep pushing. We’re right here with you. You’re so strong, and we’re going to get through this together.”

Sayori: (gritting her teeth) “I…I can do this. I trust you all. Just…please, help me bring my baby into this world safely.”

Natsuki: (placing towels under Sayori) “Alright, Sayori. On the count of three, I want you to push as hard as you can. We’re right here supporting you every step of the way.”

Yuri: (taking a deep breath) “One…two…three. Push, Sayori!”

Sayori: (giving it her all) “