(As I walked to the clubroom, I couldn’t believe what happened yesterday. MC, my childhood friend, had died. The news hit me like a ton of bricks. And as I entered the clubroom, I could see Monika and Himari discussing something. Kotonhoa was also there, and was moving a strange pool - it was round and pink. Yuri was there, too - she was filling the pool with warm water. I was confused as to what they were doing, but was even more confused as to where Natsuki was.)

Yuri: “And…that should be everything!”

Monika: “Great job, Yuri. I’ll set up the decorations now.”

Himari: “I’m so excited for this pool party! It’s going to be so much fun!”

Kotonoha: “I hope everyone likes my special punch!”

(I cleared my throat to let them know I was there.)

Sayori: (trying to keep my voice steady) “Hey guys.”

(They all turned to look at me with sad expressions.)

Monika: “Sayori, how are you holding up?”

Sayori: “I’m…not doing well. MC’s death is still a really hard pill to swallow.”

Yuri: “We understand, Sayori. We’re all grieving. But we thought it might be good to distract ourselves with a pool party.”

Himari: “Yeah! We’ll have food, drinks, music, and swimming! It’ll be a blast!”

Kotonoha: “And don’t forget my special punch! It’s delicious!”

Sayori: (forcing a smile) “That sounds like a lot of fun. But…I’m not sure I’m in the mood to party.”

Monika: “We understand, Sayori. But please, try to have some fun. It’s what MC would have wanted.”

Sayori: (nodding slowly) “Yeah…you’re right. MC was always the life of the party. He wouldn’t want us moping around.”

Himari: “That’s the spirit! Now, let’s get this party started!”

Yuri: “Hold on. Does anybody else notice a lack of somebody?”

Kotonoha: “You’re right, Yuri. Where’s Natsuki?”

Monika: “I haven’t seen her all day. Has anyone tried contacting her?”

Sayori: “I texted her earlier, but she hasn’t replied.”

Himari: “I hope she’s okay.”

(Just then, Natsuki burst into the room - and immediately got into the pool, putting a hand on her massive belly. I was thoroughly confused as to why.)

Natsuki: (panting) “Sorry guys, I’m late. I just had to take care of something important.”

Monika: “Natsuki, are you okay? You look exhausted.”

Natsuki: “I’m fine. Just a little tired.”

Yuri: “And why are you in the pool already?”

Natsuki: (looking down at her belly) “Oh this? I just wanted to cool off. It’s been really hot today.”

Kotonoha: “Natsuki, are you sure you’re okay? You seem a bit…different.”

Natsuki: (smiling) “I’m fine, Kotonoha. Just a little pregnant, that’s all.”

Himari: (gasping) “Pregnant? Natsuki, that’s amazing!”

Sayori: “Congratulations, Natsuki! That’s wonderful news!”

Monika: “We’re so happy for you!”

Yuri: “Yes, congratulations.”

Kotonoha: “I can’t wait to make some special punch for the baby shower!”

Natsuki: (in severe pain) “I-I-It’s a little too late for a baby shower, Kotonhoa.”

(We all looked at Natsuki, confused.)

Himari: “What do you mean, Natsuki?”

Natsuki:“The baby’s head is halfway through.”

(We all gasped in shock and immediately sprang into action.)

Monika: “Someone call an ambulance!”

Natsuki: (gritting her teeth) “It’s too late for a hospital birth. This baby’s coming out, right here…right now!”

(We all frantically looked around the room, trying to figure out what we could do to help. Yuri rushed to get towels, while Kotonhoa tried to gather supplies.)

Sayori: “What can we do to help, Natsuki? Tell us!”

Natsuki: (breathing heavily) “Just…just stay with me. And help me deliver this baby.”

(We all nodded, determined to help Natsuki through this.)

Himari: “Okay, first things first. We need to make sure Natsuki is comfortable.”

Monika: “And we need to make sure the area is clean. Yuri, do you have any disinfectant?”

Yuri: “Yes, I do. Let me go grab it.”

(Kotonhoa and Himari helped Natsuki to a makeshift bed, consisting of a few blankets and cushions stacked on top of each other. They tried to make her as comfortable as possible.)

Kotonhoa: “Natsuki, just breathe deeply. You’ve got this.”

Himari: “We’re all here for you, Natsuki. We’ll get you through this.”

(Natsuki nodded, her face contorted with pain.)

Yuri: “Okay, I have the disinfectant. What do you need me to do, Monika?”

Monika: “Just spray the area around Natsuki. We need to make sure everything is clean.”

(Yuri nodded and began to spray around Natsuki. Meanwhile, I stayed close to Natsuki, holding her hand and trying to offer her words of encouragement.)

Sayori: “You’re doing great, Natsuki. Just keep breathing. You’ve got this.”

(Natsuki breathed deeply, her eyes squeezed shut. And then, with one final push, she gave birth to a beautiful baby boy.)

Natsuki: “It’s a boy…I have a son.”