(As I entered the clubroom, I could hear Sayori and Natsuki discussing something - while Ayano, Himari, Kotonhoa, and Charloette were setting up different things, like an emerald green pool and other decorations. Strangely, Monika - our club president - wasn’t there.)

Kotonhoa: “Okay, that’s everything. I think this will be great!”

(I walked to see what they were doing.)

Natsuki: “Oh! Hey, Yuri! Is everything okay?”

Sayori: “We were just thinking of some ideas for our next club activity!”

Yuri: “Ah, I see. What ideas do you have in mind?”

Ayano: “We’re thinking of having a pool party! We got this emerald green pool here to set up.”

Himari: “And we got some snacks and drinks ready too!”

Charloette: “And some decorations to make it look festive.”

Yuri: “That sounds like a great idea! When are we planning to have this pool party?”

Sayori: “We were thinking of having it this weekend! What do you think, Yuri?”

Yuri: “That sounds perfect. I’ll make sure to bring some snacks too.”

Natsuki: “Great! I can’t wait to see you in a swimsuit, Yuri.”

(I blushed at Natsuki’s comment.)

Yuri: “Um, Natsuki, please don’t tease me like that.”

Sayori: “Oh, come on, Yuri! Don’t be shy. We’re all friends here.”

Kotonhoa: “Yeah, it’ll be fun! You’ll see.”

(Hearing their encouragement, I couldn’t help but smile.)

Yuri: “Okay, I’ll try to be a good sport about it.”

Charloette: “That’s the spirit! We’re gonna have so much fun!”

(As everyone continued to chat and prepare for the pool party, I couldn’t help but feel grateful to be part of such a wonderful club and have such supportive friends. Just then, we all heard a knock on the door.)

Sayori: “I’ll get it!”

(Sayori went to the door and opened it, revealing Monika standing outside - but her belly was strangely swollen.)

Monika: “Hey everyone, sorry I’m late.”

Sayori: “Monika! We were wondering where you were.”

Monika: “Sorry about that. I had some last-minute club business to take care of.”

Natsuki: “So, are you ready for the pool party this weekend?”

Monika: “Pool party? What pool party?”

Ayano: “We were just talking about having a pool party this weekend, Monika.”

Himari: “We already got everything prepared.”

Charloette: “And we invited other classmates too.”

Monika: “I’m sorry, but I didn’t know anything about this- OW! Ow, ow, ow!”

(As Monika spoke, she suddenly clutched her belly and winced in pain. I started to feel worried about her.)

Yuri: “Monika, are you okay? You’re clutching your belly.”

Monika: “I…I don’t know. I’ve been feeling strange all day. It’s like something is pushing against my stomach- AHH!”

(I watched in shock as Monika doubled over in pain.)

Monika: “T-This can’t be happening! It’s too early!”

Ayano: “Too early? What do you mean, Monika?”

Monika: “I… I think I’m going into labor!”

(We all gasped in shock.)

Sayori: “L-Labor? But Monika, you’re not even married!”

Monika: “I know, I know! But my water just broke and I’m pretty sure the baby is coming out right now! A-And it’s coming out extremely fast! I think I’m already in the final stages of labor!”

Ayano: “Wait…you’re in the FINAL stages of labor?! Does that mean we won’t make it to a hospital in time?!”

Monika: “I-I-I’m afraid so! Quick, help me into the pool!”

(We all quickly rushed to help Monika, who was now panting heavily and clutching her belly. Ayano and Kotonhoa supported her from either side, while Charloette and Himari held her arms. Sayori and Natsuki quickly filled the pool with water.)

Sayori: “Okay, Monika, we’re gonna lower you into the water slowly. Try to relax, okay?”

Monika: “Okay… okay…”

(With our combined effort, we managed to lower Monika into the water and help her position herself comfortably. The water seemed to calm her a little.)

Monika: “Oh… oh, that’s better… but I don’t think I can hold on anymore…”

Ayano: “Monika, stay with us! Breathe deeply, okay?”

Himari: “We’ll stay with you the whole time, Monika. You’re not alone.”

Charloette: “We’ll also make sure the baby comes out safely.”

(Natsuki quickly grabbed some towels and blankets, while I got some hot water and a small first aid kit. Sayori comforted Monika by stroking her hair and murmuring soothing words to her. Time seemed to slow down as we waited for the baby to come out.)

Monika: “AAAAAHHH!!”

(The sound of Monika’s pain-filled scream pierced the silence, and I felt my own heart race with apprehension. But then, a small cry filled the air- the cry of a newborn baby. And then…another.)

Monika: “W-What? Two babies?!”

Ayano: “Two babies?! Are you serious?!”

Himari: “Let me see! Let me see!”

(Charloette quickly handed Himari a pair of surgical scissors, and with trembling hands, Himari cut the umbilical cord of the first baby. A whimpering sound filled the air as the first baby was wrapped up in a towel.)

Himari: “It’s a girl! Oh, she’s beautiful!”

Charloette: “Quick, prepare for the second one!”

(A few minutes later, the second baby was born, also crying and squirming.)

Charloette: “It’s a boy! Monika, you’re a mother of twins!”

Monika: “I…I can’t believe it… I’m a mother…”

Sayori: “Congratulations, Monika-”

(Suddenly, three more babies just slipped out of Monika’s womb - the fifth one being the biggest. She had 3 boys and 2 girls. This left all of us in shock, except for Monika.)

Monika: “…what’s with the shocked looks, everyone?”

Natsuki: “You just gave birth to FIVE babies, Monika! We’re all amazed!”

(As I cooed over the babies, Monika just looked on in shock as to what Natsuki said.)

Monika: “F-Five babies?! I knew I was having serious nausea each time I woke up, but I didn’t expect to have quintuplets! And the fact me and the babies survived the birth…it’s a miracle. In fact, that’s what I’ll name one of my little girls! And for my little boys and other little girl…how about the names of the flagship monsters of Monster Hunter Generations?”

Sayori: “That’s a great idea, Monika! And don’t worry, we’ll help you take care of them.”

Ayano: “Yeah, we’ll all pitch in to help you out with the babies. After all, that’s what friends are for.”

Monika: “Thank you, everyone. I’m so lucky to have you all as my friends.”

(As we all basked in the warm glow of newfound parenthood and friendship, I couldn’t help but marvel at the unexpected twists and turns life can take. And just like that, what was going to be an ordinary moment lead to this miraculous moment - the birth of Miracle, Astalos, Mizutsune, Gammoth, and Glavenus. 15 years later, I went to see Monika and the quintuplets. Strangely, I couldn’t see Gammoth anywhere. Monika’s sons - Mizutsune, Glavenus, and Astalos - were all playing a board game with Miracle.)

Monika: “Oh, hi Yuri! It’s so good to see you.”

Yuri: “Likewise, Monika. How are you and the kids doing?”

Monika: “Great, great! The kids are growing up so fast. Would you like to see them?”

Yuri: “Yes, please.”

(Monika led me to a room where the quintuplets were playing. Mizutsune, Glavenus, and Astalos were playing a board game while Miracle was drawing something.)

Mizutsune: “Oh, hey Auntie Yuri! Wanna play with us?”

Yuri: “Sure, I’d love to.”

(After an hour or so of playing, Glavenus mentioned that Gammoth was out of sight for a while.)

Glavenus: “Mom, have you seen Gammoth?”

Monika: “Now that you mention it, I haven’t. Where could she be?”

(After a bit of searching, we found Gammoth hiding in a closet with tears in her eyes.)

Monika: “Gammoth, what’s wrong?”

Gammoth: “I-I’m sorry, Mom. I didn’t want you to kick me out, or even disown me. All because of what I found out recently, and my boyfriend left me for it…”

Monika: “Gammoth, whatever it is, you can tell us. We’ll always love you, no matter what.”

Gammoth: “I’m… I’m pregnant.”

(There was a stunned silence in the room before Monika enveloped Gammoth in a hug.)

Monika: “Oh, Gammoth. It’s okay. We’ll help you through this. You and your baby are always welcome here.”

Gammoth: “Really?”

Monika: “Absolutely.”

(The room was filled with sighs of relief and love. As I watched the scene before me, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for the strong bonds of friendship and family that can weather any storm. And as I joined in the group hug, I knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, we would all face them together. But 21 weeks later, while I was looking after my 7-year-old daughter Love, my phone started to ring. It was Astalos - one of Monika’s sons. He was known for being the quiet one, but I could hear a flatlining sound in the background. The phone call must be about Monika.)