(In the clubroom…)

Monika: “She hasn’t shown up yet…”

Natsuki: (already fuming) “GAH! When is she going to show up?!”

Sayori: (entering the clubroom) “What’s gotten Natsuki so peeved? Who are you two waiting for?”

Monika: “We’re waiting for Yuri. She’s usually punctual, but today she’s late.”

Natsuki: “It’s frustrating! Why can’t she just be on time for once?”

Sayori: “Hmm, I hope she’s alright. Maybe something came up?”

Monika: “That’s what I’m worried about too. Yuri is usually responsible and reliable.”

Natsuki: “Well, I don’t care! She should have let us know if she couldn’t make it on time.”

Sayori: “Natsuki, let’s try to be understanding. We don’t know what might have happened.”

Monika: “You’re right, Sayori. We should give Yuri the benefit of the doubt. But let’s also make sure to remind her about communication.”

Natsuki: “Fine, but I’m still annoyed.”

(Just then, Monika gets a phone call - but not from Yuri or anyone she knows.)

Monika: (confused) “Huh? Who could be calling me at a time like this?”

(She answers the phone.)

Monika: “Hello?”

Unknown Caller: (slightly sad) “Is this Monika from the literature club?”

Monika: “Um, yes. Who is this?”

Unknown Caller: “This is Yuri’s mother.”

Monika: (surprised) “Yuri’s mother? Is Yuri okay?”

Yuri’s Mother: (sighs) “I’m afraid Yuri has…has…”

(Yuri’s mother starts crying.)

Yuri’s Mother: (momentarily stopping crying) “I found her in her room sitting by her desk. But when I walked up to her, she seemed unconscious. She wasn’t breathing at all. She…she suffered a heart attack.”

Monika: “Oh my gosh…you seriously don’t mean-”

Yuri’s Mother: (tearfully) “I’m sorry, Monika. Yuri… she didn’t make it.”

(There is a moment of stunned silence in the clubroom as Monika processes what she has just heard.)

Monika: (whispering) “No… this can’t be happening…”

Natsuki: (in shock) “Wait, what? Yuri… she’s gone?”

Sayori: (visibly shaken) “I can’t believe it… She was just here yesterday, smiling and talking to us…”

(In tears, Monika hangs up.)

Monika: (sobbing) “She’s gone… Yuri is gone…”

Natsuki: (teary-eyed) “I can’t believe it… We were just waiting for her, and now… she’s not coming back…”

Sayori: (holding back tears) “I… I don’t know what to say. Yuri was such a sweet and kind person…”

Monika: “I’ll call Yuri’s father and let him know what happened to Yuri.”

(Monika pulls out her phone and calls Yuri’s father.)

(On the other side of the phone…)

Yuri’s Father: (not even sad at all) “Hello?”

Monika: (trying to hold back her tears) “Hello, this is Monika from the literature club. I’m sorry to inform you that Yuri…she passed away.”

Yuri’s Father: (pauses) “…what are you talking about?”

Monika: (shaken) “I… I just got a call from Yuri’s mother. She told me that Yuri had a heart attack and didn’t make it…”

Yuri’s Father: (angry) “That’s ridiculous! Yuri is perfectly fine! She’s just been sitting in her room studying all day. I haven’t noticed anything wrong with her.”

Monika: (confused) “But… her mother… she was crying and…”

Yuri’s Father: (interrupting) “Yuri’s mother tends to exaggerate things. She’s always overreacting. I’m sorry if she worried you, but Yuri is okay.”

Monika: (still in shock) “I… I don’t understand…”

Yuri’s Father: “Look, I appreciate your concern for Yuri, but I assure you, she’s fine. Please don’t spread false information.”

(Monika hangs up, her hands trembling.)

Natsuki: (confused) “What did Yuri’s father say?”

Monika: (her voice shaky) “He… he said Yuri is fine. He didn’t seem sad or anything… I don’t know what to make of this.”

Sayori: (worried) “Maybe there was a mistake? Maybe Yuri’s mother misunderstood something?”

Monika: (quietly) “I don’t know… it doesn’t make sense. I’m going to call her.”

(The girls gather around, anxiously waiting as Monika dials Yuri’s mother. After a few rings, she answers.)

Yuri’s Mother: “Hello?”