(In the school literature clubroom…)

MC (me): “Natsuki, what’s wrong? You seem…angry. Well, you’re always angry, but today you’re especially angry.”

Natsuki: “MC, that’s none of your business! Just leave me alone. I don’t need your sympathy or anyone else’s for that matter.”

(I watch as Natsuki quickly packs up her things and storms out of the room, slamming the door behind her.)

MC: (sighing) “I hope she’s okay…I’ll have to check on her later.”

(Sayori approaches me, concern written all over her face.)

Sayori: “MC, do you think there’s something wrong with Natsuki?”

MC: “Probably, Sayori. She’s been acting a lot angrier than normal lately. What do you think is wrong with her?”

Sayori: “Well, I also saw her eating pickles and brocolli with her cupcakes - which she normally wouldn’t do, considering she’s got a sweet tooth. I actually read that mood swings and cravings for unusual things are signs of early pregnancy. Maybe she’s pregnant?”

MC: “Pregnant? That’s a possibility, I guess. But why would she be so upset about it?”

Sayori: “Well, maybe she’s scared or unsure about what to do. I’ll try talking to her later and see if she opens up about it. In the meantime, let’s just give her some space and support.”

MC: “Yeah, good idea. Let’s make sure she knows we’re here for her if she needs us.”

(Later that day, Sayori and I check up on Natsuki.)

Natsuki: (tearfully) “I…I am pregnant. I don’t know what to do. I’m scared and I feel so alone.”

Sayori: “Natsuki, we’re here for you. You’re not alone in this. We’ll support you no matter what decision you make.”

MC: “Yeah, we care about you, Natsuki. Just know that we’re here to help and listen.”

Natsuki: (sniffling) “Thank you…thank you both. I don’t know what I would do without you guys.”

(Sayori and I embrace Natsuki, comforting her during this difficult time.)

MC: “We’re in this together, Natsuki. We’ll figure things out as a team.”

(Natsuki smiles through her tears, grateful for our support. On the day of the festival, Natsuki was in her last few weeks of pregnancy. We made sure to take care of her, making sure she was comfortable and had everything she needed. But just as I was putting the booth together, I hear Natsuki cry out in pain.)

Natsuki: “MC! Sayori! Something’s wrong! I think the baby is coming!”

(Sayori and I rush to Natsuki’s side, helping her to sit down and stay calm.)

Sayori: “Don’t worry, Natsuki. We’ll get you to the hospital right away.”

Natsuki: “I don’t know if I can make it to the hospital in time! The baby is coming now!”

MC: (panicking) “What do we do? We need to help her!”

Sayori: “We need to deliver this baby here and now. Natsuki, I need you to push when you feel a contraction, okay?”

(Natsuki nods, gripping onto my hand tightly. With Sayori guiding me through the process, we successfully deliver a healthy baby girl. Natsuki holds her daughter in her arms, tears of joy streaming down her face.)

Natsuki: “Thank you both so much for being here with me. I couldn’t have done it without you.”

MC: “We’re just happy we could help, Natsuki. You’re a strong and amazing mother.”

Sayori: “And we’ll continue to support you every step of the way. Your daughter is lucky to have you. What’s her name, by the way?”