(In the school literature clubroom…)

Monika: “So…while we’re waiting for the others to arrive…is there something you wanted to talk about, Sayori?”

Sayori: “Yeah, Monika. I’ve been thinking about how we can make the literature club more engaging. You know, so that it’s not just about reading and writing, but also about making it a fun place where everyone can feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings.”

Monika: “That’s a great idea, Sayori! Making the club more interactive and enjoyable would definitely help attract new members and keep the current ones excited. What do you have in mind?”

Sayori: “I was thinking we could start by organizing some themed events. Like, maybe once a month, we could have a poetry slam where we all write and perform our poems in front of each other. We could also have a ‘bring a book to swap’ day, where everyone brings a book they love and tells the group why it’s special to them, then we swap with someone else to share the love for different genres and authors.”

Monika: “Those are wonderful ideas! A poetry slam could be a fantastic way to encourage people to express themselves creatively. And the book swap day sounds like a perfect way to promote discussion and expose us to different perspectives. Plus, it could be a fun way to build our personal libraries. Let’s start planning these events at our next meeting.”

Sayori: “Yay! I’m glad you like the ideas. Oh, I also thought maybe we could create a cozy reading corner in the clubroom. We could bring in some comfy chairs or bean bags, and even some quiet background music to make reading time more relaxing for everyone.”

Monika: “I’m all for creating a relaxing atmosphere in the clubroom. That corner could become a little sanctuary for our members whenever they need some quiet time. Great thinking, Sayori! Let’s put together a small committee to start implementing these changes. We can discuss it with the others when they arrive.”

Sayori: “That sounds perfect! I can’t wait to see how much more fun the literature club can be with these changes. Thanks for always being so supportive, Monika.”

Monika: “Of course, Sayori! Your positive energy and creative ideas are what make this club so special. Alright, I think I hear someone coming. Let’s get ready to share these plans with the whole group!”

(Just then, Sayori’s expression changes from happy to shocked as she feels a fluttering sensation in her belly.)

Sayori: “…she’s kicking…!”

Monika: (looks over with sudden confusion) “Wait, who’s kicking?”

Sayori: “My baby girl - Sachiko!” (lifting up her uniform to reveal her baby bump) “Care to feel?”

Monika: (surprised) “Sayori…you’re…you’re pregnant?!”

Sayori: (nods excitedly) “Yes, Monika! I found out a little while ago, and I wanted to share the news with everyone today. I’m 7 months along now!”

Monika: (overwhelmed with emotions) “Sayori, that’s amazing! Congratulations! I’m so happy for you! How did you manage to keep it a secret for so long?”

Sayori: (blushing) “It wasn’t easy, Monika. But I wanted to wait until everything was confirmed and settled before sharing the news. Plus, I wanted to surprise everyone in a special way!”

Monika: (smiling) “Well, you certainly succeeded in surprising me! This is such wonderful news. Have you told the others yet?”

Sayori: “No, not yet. I wanted to wait until we were all here together. I thought it would be the perfect moment to share it with everyone.”

Monika: “I’m sure they’re going to be just as excited as I am. The literature club is like a family, and this new addition is going to bring even more love and happiness to our little group.”

Sayori: (teary-eyed) “Thank you, Monika. Your support means the world to me. I’m so grateful to have all of you in my life.”

Monika: “We’re all here for you, Sayori. We’ll support you every step of the way, and I’m sure the others will feel the same. Now, let’s focus on sharing this wonderful news with everyone. They’ll be here any minute.”

(Soon, the rest of the club members arrive – Natsuki, Yuri, and MC.)

Natsuki: (excitedly) “Guess what, everyone? I brought some of my homemade cupcakes today! They’re extra special because I added a surprise ingredient!”

Yuri: (curious) “A surprise ingredient? What could it be, Natsuki?”

Natsuki: (grinning) “Well, you’ll just have to try them and find out! But enough about that, is there something important we need to talk about, Sayori? You seem really eager.”

Sayori: (glowing with happiness) “Yes, there is, Natsuki! I have some incredible news to share with all of you.”

MC: (curious) “What is it, Sayori? You’re practically bursting with excitement!”

Sayori: (holding her baby bump) “I’m pregnant! I’m going to meet Sachiko soon!”

Natsuki, Yuri, and MC: (simultaneously) “You’re pregnant?!”

Sayori: (giggling) “Yes, I am! I found out a while ago, but I wanted to surprise all of you today. I’m seven months along now, and she’s kicking like crazy.”

Natsuki: (excitedly) “Oh my gosh, Sayori! That’s incredible! Congratulations! I can’t believe we’re going to have a little club member soon!”

Yuri: (in awe) “Sayori, this is such wonderful news! I’m so happy for you. You’re going to be an amazing mother.”

MC: (big smile) “Wow, Sayori, that’s amazing! Congratulations! Your baby is going to be so lucky to have you as a mom. This is such a special moment for all of us.”

Sayori: (teary-eyed) “Thank you, everyone. Your support and excitement mean the world to me. I couldn’t ask for better friends.”

Monika: (proudly) “Sayori, this is such a beautiful blessing. I’m so grateful to be a part of your journey. I know you’re going to be an incredible mother, and Sachiko will be surrounded by so much love.”

Natsuki: (smiling) “We should start planning a baby shower and gather some presents for little Sachiko. I want to spoil her with baby clothes and cute toys!”

Yuri: (thoughtfully) “Perhaps I can write a poem dedicated to Sachiko. It would be a lovely way to honor her arrival and celebrate this new chapter in your life, Sayori.”

MC: (excitedly) “I can help with organizing the baby shower and making sure everything goes smoothly. We’ll make it a memorable event for you and Sachiko, Sayori.”

Sayori: (beaming with joy) “Thank you, everyone. I’m overwhelmed by your love and support. Having all of you by my side means more to me than words can express.”

Monika: (smiling) “Sayori, you’re not alone in this. We’re a family here, and we’ll be with you every step of the way. Your happiness is our happiness.”

(As the club members gather around Sayori, a wave of excitement and joy washes over them. They begin discussing plans for the baby shower, eagerly sharing ideas and offering their support. In that moment, the literature club bonds even tighter, united by the anticipation of this new chapter in their lives. Just then, towards the end of the meeting, Sayori feels a sudden warmth trickling down her legs.)

Sayori: “Oh no…”

Monika: (concerned) “Sayori, what’s wrong?”

Sayori: “I think my water just broke.”

Monika: (panic-stricken) “Oh no! We need to get you to the hospital right away. Does anyone have their phone? We need to call an ambulance!”

Natsuki: (frantically searching through her bag) “I don’t have my phone with me, but I’ll run to the school office and ask for help. Just hold on, Sayori!”

Yuri: (nervously) “I’ll stay with Sayori and try to keep her as calm as possible. We need to make sure she’s comfortable while we wait for help to arrive.”

MC: (taking charge) “I’ll go with Natsuki to the office. We need to hurry and get professional medical help for Sayori. Just hold on a little longer, Sayori. Help is on the way.”

(With the urgency in the air, Natsuki and MC rush out of the clubroom to find assistance. Meanwhile, Yuri does her best to comfort Sayori, trying to keep her calm and relaxed.)

Yuri: “It’s going to be okay, Sayori. We’re here for you. Focus on slow, deep breaths and try to relax. Help is coming soon.”

Sayori: (taking deep breaths) “I… I’m scared, Yuri. What if something goes wrong? What if the baby…?”

Yuri: “Don’t worry, Sayori. You have a strong support system here, and we won’t let anything happen to you or the baby. Just keep taking deep breaths and try to stay positive. Everything will be alright.”

(Meanwhile, Natsuki and MC run into the school office, urgently explaining the situation to the staff. The office personnel immediately call an ambulance to take Sayori to the hospital.)

Office Staff: “We’ve called for an ambulance, and they should be here soon. Is there anything else we can do to help?”

MC: “Thank you for calling an ambulance. We need to notify Sayori’s emergency contact as well. Do you have her parents’ contact information?”

Office Staff: “Yes, we have their contact details on record. We’ll let them know what’s happening. Please tell Sayori that our thoughts are with her.”

(Natsuki and MC quickly head back to the clubroom with the news.)

Natsuki: “Everything’s been taken care of. The ambulance is on its way, and Sayori’s parents have been notified.”

Yuri: “Thank you both for acting so swiftly. Sayori, help is coming. Just a little longer, and you’ll be in expert hands.”

(Sayori, filled with a mix of fear and anticipation, clings onto Yuri’s hand tightly, finding comfort in her friend’s presence.)

Sayori: “I’m glad you’re here, Yuri. I don’t know what I would do without all of you.”

Yuri: “We’re here for you, Sayori, every step of the way. Just stay strong, and everything will work out.”

(As they await the arrival of the ambulance, the literature club members gather around Sayori, offering words of support and encouragement. They remain by her side, ready to face whatever challenges lie ahead, knowing that their bond will only grow stronger through this experience. However, Sayori’s contractions start getting close together very fast.)

Monika: “It looks like Sayori’s contractions are getting closer together. We need to keep her as comfortable as possible while we wait for the ambulance.”

Yuri: “I’ll do my best to help her relax and manage the pain. Sayori, just focus on breathing and keeping calm. We’re here for you.”

Natsuki: “I remember reading somewhere that applying a warm compress to the lower back can help with labor pains. Let me find something we can use.”

MC: “And I’ll make sure we have everything ready for when the ambulance arrives. We should have a bag packed with essentials, like a change of clothes for Sayori, her hospital documents, and any comfort items she wants to bring.”

(Between contractions, Sayori manages a weak smile.)

Sayori: “Thank you, everyone. I can’t believe how lucky I am to have such amazing friends by my side. This all feels so overwhelming, but knowing that you’re here for me makes it a little easier.”

Monika: “Sayori, we’re not going anywhere. We’re going to support you throughout this whole journey. You’re not alone, and we’ll make sure that everything goes as smoothly as possible.”

(All of a sudden, Sayori starts feeling an agonizing pain as she enters full labor.)

Sayori: (gritting her teeth) “It’s…it’s happening, guys! It’s really happening!”