(In the clubroom…)

Monika: “Wait a minute…where’s Natsuki?”

Sayori: “I honestly don’t know.”

Yuri: “No idea.”

Monika: “Yuri, Sayori, can you go look for her? I’ll just…stay here.”

Sayori: “Of course, Monika! We’ll find her.”

Yuri: “Yes, we’ll search the school grounds and see if she’s anywhere nearby. Let’s go, Sayori.”

(Sayori and Yuri leave the clubroom and start searching for Natsuki. Once the two girls are gone, Monika rubs her belly lovingly - eagerly awaiting the arrival of her unborn daughter; Minika.)

Monika: (whispering to herself) “Soon, Minika…soon, I’ll be able to hold you in my arms. I can’t wait to meet you, my little girl.”

(As if responding to Monika’s voice, her belly ripples slightly.)

Monika: “Aww, you’re so active today, aren’t you, Minika? You must be excited too, huh? Just a little while longer, and we’ll finally be together. I’ll be the best mommy I can be for you, I promise. I can’t wait for you to meet my friends.”

(Inside the school…)

Sayori: “Do you think Natsuki might be in the cafeteria? She did mention being hungry earlier.”

Yuri: “It’s worth checking. Let’s head over there first.”

(They walk towards the cafeteria, scanning the room for any sign of Natsuki. Finally, they spot her sitting alone at a table, her head resting on her arms.)

Sayori: “Natsuki! There you are!”

(Natsuki looks up, wiping away a few stray tears from her eyes.)

Natsuki: “Oh, hey guys. What are you doing here?”

Yuri: “Monika sent us to look for you. We were worried when you didn’t show up at the club.”

Sayori: “Is everything okay, Natsuki?”

(Natsuki hesitates for a moment, then sighs.)

Natsuki: “I’ve been having a rough day… Is it alright if I talk to you guys about it?”

(Sayori and Yuri exchange concerned glances before nodding.)

Yuri: “Of course, Natsuki. We’re here for you.”

(Back in the clubroom…)

Monika: (smiling at her belly) “I hope the girls find Natsuki soon. They can be such good friends for you, Minika. They’ll be there for you, just like they’ve always been for me.”

(Monika strokes her belly gently, filled with anticipation and love.)

Monika: “We’re going to have such a wonderful journey together, my sweet Minika. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for us.”

(Just then, an extreme wave of pain courses through Monika’s body.)

Monika: “Aah! Wh-what’s happening? This…this isn’t normal…”

(In a panic, Monika grabs her phone and dials 911. She frantically explains her symptoms and requests an ambulance. Moments later, an ambulance arrives at the school and rushes Monika to the hospital.)

Monika: (strained voice) “Please…please, be okay, Minika. Mama will do everything she can to keep you safe…”

(At the hospital, Monika is rushed into the maternity ward.)

Monika: “Doctor, what’s wrong with me?! Why am I feeling this pain?!”

Doctor: “Monika, please try to stay calm. We’re doing everything we can to figure out what’s going on. We’ll run some tests and monitor your condition closely.”

(Monika’s heart races as the doctors and nurses rush around her, hooking her up to various machines and administering medication.)

Monika: (teary-eyed) “Please, just tell me if my baby is going to be alright. I can’t lose her.”

Doctor: “I understand how important this is to you, Monika. We’ll do our best to ensure the safety of both you and your baby. Just try to stay as relaxed as you can for now.”

(Several agonizing hours pass as Monika waits anxiously for news. Finally, a doctor comes out to speak with her.)

Doctor: “Monika, I have good news. Your baby is stable, but we did discover some complications. It seems that you’ve been experiencing contractions, which is premature labor.”

Monika: “Premature labor? But it’s too early… What does this mean for my baby?”

Doctor: “We’re doing everything we can to delay the labor and give your baby more time to develop. We’ve administered medication and will continue to closely monitor both of you. However, I must be honest with you, Monika. There are risks involved with premature birth, and we’ll need to prepare for all possible outcomes.”

(Monika’s heart sinks as she absorbs the doctor’s words. She holds her belly tightly, praying for the well-being of her daughter.)

Monika: “Please, do whatever you can to keep her safe. I’ll do anything, just please…”

Doctor: “We’re doing everything we can, Monika. We’ll keep you updated on any changes or developments. In the meantime, try to rest and stay as calm as possible. We’re here for you.”

(Monika nods, tears streaming down her face, as she grips onto the hope that her baby will survive this ordeal. She closes her eyes, sending all her love and strength to her unborn daughter, Minika. Suddenly, Monika’s water breaks - signaling that the labor had progressed much faster than normal.)