(In the school literature clubroom…)

Monika: “Jeez…where is everyone?” (speaking to her unborn baby) “Guess it’s just the two of us here, Miyuki. Can’t wait to meet you, my baby girl.”

(As if in response to her mother’s words, Miyuki kicks reassuringly from inside Monika’s womb.)

Monika: (gently placing her hands on her belly) “Oh, Miyuki, you’re already so active. I hope you inherit your father’s energy and enthusiasm for life. Now, let’s get the clubroom ready for when the other girls arrive.”

(Monika starts tidying up the clubroom, arranging the books neatly on the shelves and clearing any scattered papers.)

Monika: (whispering to herself) “I can’t believe it’s already been a few months since I found out I was pregnant. It feels like just yesterday when I discovered that positive pregnancy test. Life sure has a funny way of surprising you.”

(She carefully dusts off the desk and arranges some fresh flowers in a vase.)

Monika: (smiling) “I can’t wait to share the news with everyone. They’ll be so thrilled! The literature club will become an even more special place with Miyuki here.”

(Just then, she starts to feel some sharp pains in her abdomen.)

Monika: (concerned) “Oh no, Miyuki, are you alright? Hang in there, baby. Mommy’s here.”

(She sits down on a chair, placing her hands on her belly and starting to breathe deeply.)

Monika: (whispering) “It’s okay, Miyuki. Just breathe with me. We’ll get through this together.”

(The pain intensifies, and Monika realizes that something might be wrong. She reaches for her phone and dials her doctor’s number.)

Monika: (shaky voice) “Hello, Dr. Lopez? It’s Monika. I’m experiencing intense pain in my abdomen. It feels different from before. Should I be worried?”

(She listens carefully to her doctor’s instructions, her heart pounding with anxiety.)

Monika: (teary-eyed) “Okay, I understand. I’ll come to the hospital immediately. Please, tell me everything will be alright.”

(Monika quickly gathers her belongings, making sure to take her phone, purse, and a picture of her ultrasound.)

Monika: (whispering) “Hang in there, Miyuki. We’re going to the hospital to make sure you’re safe and sound. Just hold on a little longer.”

(She rushes out of the clubroom and heads towards the hospital, hoping and praying for the best.)

(At the hospital…)

Monika: (sitting in the waiting room, anxiously tapping her foot) “Come on, Miyuki. We’ve got this. Stay strong.”

(A nurse calls Monika’s name, and she stands up, clutching her abdomen.)

Nurse: (kindly) “Monika, please follow me. The doctor will see you now.”

(Monika enters the doctor’s office and takes a seat, her eyes filled with worry.)

Doctor Lopez: (sympathetic) “Monika, I understand your concern. Let’s do an examination and see what’s going on, just to be safe.”

(The doctor proceeds to perform a thorough examination, checking the baby’s heartbeat and Monika’s vitals.)

Doctor Lopez: (softly) “Monika, there seems to be some complications. Your baby’s heart rate is irregular, and you appear to be going into preterm labor.”

(Monika’s eyes widen with fear, tears welling up.)

Monika: (barely audible) “Is…is there anything we can do? Please, I can’t lose her at 7 months.”

Doctor Lopez: (calmly) “We have a few treatment options we can explore. Let’s admit you to the hospital, monitor your condition closely, and provide you with medication to try and slow down the labor.”

(Monika’s shoulders slump in relief.)

Monika: (grateful) “Thank you, Doctor. Please, do everything you can to keep Miyuki safe.”

(Over the next few days, Monika remains in the hospital, surrounded by doctors and nurses constantly monitoring her and her unborn baby. She receives a round of steroid shots to help develop her baby’s lungs.)

Monika: (stroking her belly) “Hang in there, Miyuki. We’re fighting for you. I’ll do whatever it takes to keep you safe and bring you into this world.”

(Days turn into weeks, and through careful monitoring and treatment, Monika’s preterm labor is starting to slow down. However, one day, her water breaks - and she goes into active labor almost instantly.)