(I started to wonder as to who the father of Sayori’s baby is. After all, I was a little shocked when Sayori announced her pregnancy last month - and Monika was, too. Just then, Natsuki enters the room.)

Natsuki: “Hey, guys! Sorry I’m late. I had some personal things back home.”

Monika: “It’s okay, Natsuki.”

Sayori: “Jeez…my cravings are just out of control today.”

Monika: “Of course they are. So…how are you feeling, Yuri?”

(I felt like I was going to throw up, but decided to hide the fact I was sick.)

Yuri: “I’m feeling okay. How about you, Natsuki?”

Natsuki: “I’m good. So, what are we talking about?”

Sayori: “Well, we were just wondering who the father of my baby is.”

Natsuki: “Oh, wow. That’s a big question.”

Monika: “Yes, it is. Sayori hasn’t told us yet.”

Sayori: “That’s because I don’t know who the father is.”

Yuri: “What do you mean you don’t know?”

Sayori: “I mean, it could be one of three guys.”

Natsuki: “Three guys?! Sayori, how could you not know?”

Sayori: “I know, I know. But I was going through a rough patch and was feeling pretty reckless. I don’t even remember who I was with when I got pregnant.”

Monika: “This is not good, Sayori. You need to talk to each of them and find out who is the father.”

Sayori: “I know, I know. I’m just scared and not sure how to bring it up.”

Yuri: “We’ll help you, Sayori. Just tell us who they are.”

Sayori: “Okay, well…there’s Mark, Jake, and David.”

Natsuki: “I know Mark. He’s not the most responsible guy.”

Monika: “Jake is a nice guy, but he’s not really looking for a relationship right now.”

Yuri: “David is more mature, but he’s also been in a long-term relationship. Maybe he’s not the best option.”

Sayori: “I just don’t know what to do. I don’t want to be a burden on anyone.”

Natsuki: “You’re not a burden, Sayori. We’re here for you.”

Monika: “Yes, we are. And we’ll help you figure it out.”

Yuri: “We love you, Sayori. And we’ll support you no matter what.”

Sayori: “Thank you all so much. I don’t know what I’d do without you guys.”

Natsuki: “Don’t worry, Sayori. We’ll get through this together.”

(Just then, my phone started ringing. It was Ayano - one of my friends from the school I used to attend before I joined the literature club.)

Yuri: “Excuse me, I’m getting a call.”

(I step outside to answer the call.)

Yuri: “Hello?”

Ayano: (in the dance studio, rubbing Kokana’s massive triplet bump) “Hey, Yuri. Long time no talk.”

Yuri: “Ayano, it’s nice to hear from you. How have you been?”

Ayano: “I’ve been good. Busy with the dance studio lately. Kokona wants to talk, too.”

(Kokona grabs the phone from Ayano.)

Kokona: “Hello, Yuri!”

Yuri: “Hey, Kokona! How are you feeling?”

Kokona: “Well, I’m a little tired, but otherwise good. The babies are moving around a lot.”

Yuri: “Oh, that’s good to hear. How many weeks are you now?”

Kokona: “I’m at 36 weeks now, so it won’t be long until they’re here. But…I heard from one of the others that Musume isn’t feeling so good.”

Yuri: “Oh no, what’s wrong with her?”

Kokona: “I’m not quite sure. But I wanted you to know, in case you wanted to check in on her.”

Yuri: “Thank you for letting me know, Kokona. I’ll make sure to check on her right away.”

Kokona: “Great, thanks. And take care of yourself, too.”

Yuri: “I will. Talk to you soon.”

(I hang up the phone and head back inside the room.)

Yuri: “Hey, guys. Sorry about that.”

Sayori: “No worries, Yuri. Is everything okay?”

Yuri: “Yeah, it was just a call from a friend. But on a different note, I heard that Musume isn’t feeling well.”

Natsuki: “Oh no, what’s wrong with her?”

Yuri: “I’m not sure, but I think I should go check on her.”

Monika: “Of course, Yuri. We’ll take care of things here.”

Sayori: “Thank you, Yuri. And please let us know if there’s anything we can do to help.”

Yuri: “Will do. See you all later.”

(I quickly head out the door and make my way to Musume’s house. As I arrive at Musume’s house, I notice that she’s sitting on the couch, holding her massive belly in pain.)

Yuri: “Musume, are you okay?”

Musume: (groaning) “Y-yeah…I’m just having some cramps.”

Yuri: “Do you need me to call a doctor or someone to help?”

Musume: “No, it’s okay. It’s not that serious.”

Yuri: “Musume, please don’t try to brush it off. I’m worried about you.”

Musume: (sighing) “Okay, you’re right. I just didn’t want to bother anyone.”

Yuri: “You’re not bothering anyone, Musume. We’re all here to support each other. Let me call a doctor for you.”

(I quickly call a doctor who comes to check on Musume. After a few minutes, the doctor says something that neither of us could expect.)

Doctor: “Musume, you’re going into labor.”

Musume: (shocked) “What?! I’m in labor?! I didn’t know I was pregnant!”

Yuri: “What?!”

Doctor: “Yes, Musume. You’re at full term and all six of your girls are coming quickly. You’ll need to give birth right here, right now.”

Musume: (panicking) “What? I can’t give birth right now! I don’t have anything prepared!”

Yuri: “Musume, please stay calm. We’ll do everything we can to help you and your babies.”

(I quickly call the other girls from the literature club to come over and help - even Ayano and Kokona. As the doctor begins to help Musume deliver her babies, the rest of us do our best to assist. We know we have no expertise in this matter, but we help where we can - holding Musume’s hand, getting her water, cleaning up, and trying to keep her calm.)

Musume: (screaming in pain) “I can’t do this! I can’t do this!”

Yuri: “Musume, please try to breathe deeply and focus on getting through this. We’re all here for you.”