(In the clubroom…)

Monika: “Alright, let’s see who’s here. Sayori?”

Sayori: “Yeah, I’m here.”

Monika: “Yuri?”

Yuri: “Y-Y-Yeah…”

Monika: “Ayano?”

Ayano: “Of course!”

Monika: “Kotonhoa?”

Kotonhoa: “M-hm!”

Monika: “Himari?”

Himari: “Yep!”

Monika: “Kiyomi?”

Kiyomi: “You bet!”

Monika: “Natsuki?”

(Silence.)

Monika: “…Natsuki, are you there?”

(Still silence.)

Monika: “Where’d Natsuki go?”

Sayori: “Maybe she stepped out for a moment? I don’t know, I’m out of ideas. Kotonhoa, could you give her a call?”

Kotonhoa: “Sure, let me give her a call.”

(Kotonhoa takes out her phone and dials Natsuki’s number.)

Kotonhoa: “Hey, Natsuki! We’re all here in the clubroom. Are you on your way?”

Natsuki: (over the phone, slightly in pain) “Actually, Kotonhoa…I’m at the hospital right now. I can’t believe little Sakura’s entering the world at only 7 months…this’ll hurt so much…”

Kotonhoa: “W-W-What?! Natsuki, what happened?! Why are you in the hospital?!”

Natsuki: “I-I started having contractions earlier today…I didn’t expect it to happen this early. They’re keeping me here for monitoring and to try and delay the labor if possible…”

Monika: “Oh no, Natsuki! That’s terrible! Is there anything we can do? Should we come to the hospital?”

Natsuki: “N-No, it’s fine…I mean, there’s not much you can do. Just…wish me luck, okay? I’m really scared…”

Yuri: “Natsuki, we’ll be here for you. Don’t worry, everything will be alright. Just focus on taking care of yourself and the baby.”

Sayori: “Yeah, Natsuki, we’re all rooting for you! You’re strong and brave, you can get through this. Just remember to keep breathing and stay positive.”

Kiyomi: “Sending you lots of positive vibes, Natsuki! I know it’s a scary situation, but try to stay strong for Sakura. The doctors will do everything they can to take care of both of you.”

Himari: “Natsuki, you’re not alone in this. We’re here for you every step of the way, even if we can’t physically be there with you. You and Sakura are in our thoughts and prayers.”

Kotonhoa: “Please take care of yourself, Natsuki. Let us know if you need anything and keep us updated on how you’re doing. We’re all here for you, okay?”

Natsuki: “Thank you, everyone…I really appreciate your support. I’ll keep you updated on the situation.”

(Back in the clubroom, after ending the call…)

Monika: “We need to make sure we support Natsuki as much as we can. Let’s all send her messages of encouragement and let her know we’re thinking of her and Sakura.”

Yuri: “That’s a great idea, Monika. We may not be able to be there physically, but our words can still offer comfort and reassurance.”

Himari: “I agree, let’s each write a heartfelt message and compile them together. It’ll show Natsuki just how much we care.”

Sayori: “And let’s make sure to include some cute and funny memes or pictures too, to bring a smile to her face. Laughter can be a great source of reassurance in tough times.”

Kotonhoa: “I’ll also contact the rest of the literature club members who couldn’t make it today, and let them know what’s happening. It’s important for them to be included and supportive, too.”

(Just then, Kotonhoa’s phone rings.)

Kotonhoa: “It’s Natsuki! She’s calling back!”

(Kotonhoa answers the call.)

Kotonhoa: “Natsuki, how are you holding up? Could they delay the labor?”

Natsuki: “No, they couldn’t delay it. Sakura’s coming, no matter what. They said they’ll do their best to ensure her safety, but I’m still really scared…”

Kotonhoa: “Don’t worry, Natsuki. We’ll be there soon, okay?”