(In the school literature clubroom…)

Monika: “Uh…where’s Yuri? Haven’t seen her since 2 months ago.”

Sayori: “Hmm, that’s strange. Yuri hasn’t been coming to club meetings or answering my texts either. I hope she’s okay.”

Natsuki: “Knowing Yuri, she’s probably just buried in her books again. Though, it’s odd for her to not even show up to the club. I wonder if something happened?”

Monika: “I’m starting to get worried.”

(Monika puts a protective hand on her swollen belly.)

Sayori: “Oh, Monika, are you okay?”

Monika: “I’m fine, just a little worried about Yuri. But I should focus on taking care of myself and Miyuki. She’s really active today, and this is already my last month - it’s like she wants to be a gymnast when she grows up. I can’t wait to meet her next week!”

Natsuki: “Wow, it’s hard to believe it’s already been nine months. It feels like just yesterday you announced your pregnancy.”

Sayori: “I’m so excited to meet Miyuki too! She’s going to be such a cute baby.”

Monika: “Thank you, both of you. I can’t wait to start this new chapter of my life as a mother. But right now, I’m worried about Yuri. Maybe we should pay her a visit and see if everything is alright.”

Natsuki: “That sounds like a good idea. We should check up on her and make sure she’s okay. It’s not like her to just disappear like this.”

Sayori: “I hope she’s just caught up in a book series or something and lost track of time. But we won’t know until we go see her.”

(Monika, Sayori, and Natsuki leave the clubroom and make their way to Yuri’s house. They ring the doorbell, but there is no answer.)

Monika: “Yuri? It’s Monika, Sayori, and Natsuki. We’re here to check on you.”

(Still receiving no response, Monika, Sayori, and Natsuki exchange worried glances. Monika tries the doorknob, and to their surprise, it’s unlocked.)

Monika: “Should we go in?”

Sayori: “I think so. If something is wrong, we need to make sure she’s okay.”

(They enter Yuri’s house and cautiously make their way through the quiet rooms. But as they reach Yuri’s bedroom, it happens - Monika’s water breaks, and she gasps in surprise.)

Monika: “Oh no, not now! Miyuki, you couldn’t have picked a worse time!”

Sayori: “Monika, are you okay? Should we call an ambulance?”

Monika: “No, it’s okay. I’ve been having contractions for a while now. I think it’s time. We just need to focus on finding Yuri and making sure she’s safe.”

Natsuki: “Are you sure about this, Monika? We can’t just leave you here alone.”

Monika: “I’ll be fine. Right now, we need to prioritize Yuri’s well-being. I’ll call for help once we find her.”

(They continue searching through Yuri’s house, calling out her name and checking every room. Eventually, they reach the basement and notice a faint sound coming from behind a locked door.)

Sayori: “I think I hear something! Yuri, are you in there? It’s us, your friends!”

Yuri: “Sayori? Natsuki? Monika? Is that really you?”

Monika: “Yes, Yuri, it’s us! We’ve been worried sick about you. Why haven’t you been answering our calls or coming to the club?”

Yuri: “I… I’m sorry. I’ve been dealing with some personal issues and didn’t know how to reach out. I didn’t want to burden anyone with my problems.”

Natsuki: “Yuri, that’s what friends are for. We’re here to support each other. Now, can you open the door?”

(Yuri unlocks the door, and as they step inside, they immediately notice the disheveled state of the room.)

Monika: “Yuri, what happened here? It looks like a tornado went through.”

Yuri: “I’ve been struggling with my anxiety and depression lately. It’s gotten really bad, and I couldn’t bring myself to take care of anything, including myself.”

Sayori: “Yuri, you don’t have to go through this alone. We’re here for you, and we’ll help you get through it. But first, we need to make sure Monika and the baby are alright.”

(Natsuki helps Monika get comfortable while Sayori tends to her. All the while, Monika’s contractions continue to intensify.)
Monika: “It’s okay, everyone. Just focus on helping Yuri right now. I’ll be fine. Just give me some time to breathe through the contractions.”

(Sayori and Natsuki exchange worried glances, but they understand that they need to prioritize Yuri’s well-being at the moment. They gather some blankets and pillows to make Yuri’s room more comfortable.)

Natsuki: “Yuri, we’re here for you, and we’re not going anywhere. You can lean on us for support, just like we’re here for Monika.”

Yuri: “Thank you, both of you. I… I didn’t mean to shut you out. I just felt like such a burden and didn’t want to bring anyone down with me.”

Sayori: “Yuri, we’re friends. We care about you, and we want to be there for you, no matter what you’re going through. We’re here to help you find a way to heal and get through this.”

(Yuri nods hesitantly, her eyes filled with a mixture of gratitude and vulnerability.)

Monika: (breathing through contractions) “It seems like Miyuki wants to make a grand entrance. But don’t worry about me right now. Just focus on helping Yuri. We can deal with everything else later.”

Sayori: “We’ll make sure you’re taken care of, Monika. Just hang in there a little longer.”

(Yuri reaches out, tentatively taking Monika’s hand.)

Yuri: “Monika, I’m so sorry for worrying you. I didn’t realize how much my absence affected you all. Thank you for being here for me and for understanding.”

Monika: “We’re a team, Yuri. We support each other through the good times and the bad. We’re going to get through this together.”

(As everyone gathers around Yuri, making her feel safe and supported, Monika’s contractions continue to intensify.)

Natsuki: “Okay, Yuri, we’re here for you. Let’s focus on helping you feel better, and then we can assist Monika once she’s ready to deliver.”

(Yuri offers a faint smile and takes a deep breath, allowing herself to finally open up and let her friends in. Together, they navigate the challenges ahead, supporting each other through the ups and downs of life. Eventually, it comes time for Monika to deliver her baby.)