(In the school literature clubroom…)

Monika: (angrily) “Natsuki, where WERE you?! The meeting’s almost over! And where’s your poem?! This is just a blank sheet of paper!”

Natsuki: (frustrated) “I know, I know! I had to deal with a last-minute emergency at the bakery, and I didn’t have time to write anything! I was hoping to come up with a poem on the way here, but I couldn’t think of anything good. I’ll have it ready by tomorrow, I swear.”

Monika: (slightly less angry) “Fine, Natsuki. I understand that emergencies happen, but please try to manage your time better. This club is about commitment too, and we all agreed to share poems today. If you can, maybe spend some time tonight on it? Whatever you come up with, we’ll be happy to hear it tomorrow. Just make sure it doesn’t become a habit, okay?”

Natsuki: (starting to calm down) “Yeah, I got it. I’m really sorry, guys. It won’t happen again. I’ll make sure to have something extra special for tomorrow to make up for it.”

Monika: (smiling) “That’s the spirit, Natsuki! We all have our off days. Just remember that this is a safe space for all of us to express our creativity and support each other. Now, let’s wrap up today’s meeting. Does anyone else have something to share?”

(Other club members resume their activities, and the literature club meeting continues with sharing, discussions, and planning for the next session.)

(The next day…)

Monika: “Alright, everyone, let’s settle down. I hope we’ve all had a productive day and are ready to share our poems. Natsuki, do you have your poem for us today?”

Natsuki: (rummaging through her bag) “Uh, let me see…” (pulls out a pen) “Nope, not it.” (pulls out a water gun) “Nope, still not it.” (pulls out a cupcake) “…well at least I have a snack for later.” (pulling out a closed manga, thinking it to be her poem) “Aha! Here it is- wait…this isn’t my poem! This is my manga! Oh no, I must have grabbed the wrong thing when I left home in a rush this morning!”

Monika: (with a hint of anger) “Natsuki, this is getting a bit frustrating. I appreciate your efforts, but you have to be a bit more responsible. We all look forward to hearing each other’s work, and it’s important that everyone gets the chance to share and receive feedback. Can you please make sure to bring your poem tomorrow? If you’re finding it hard to balance your time, maybe we can help come up with a solution together.”

Natsuki: (apologetic) “I’m really sorry, everyone. I didn’t mean to mess up again. I’ll sort out my schedule and bring my poem first thing tomorrow. If anyone wants to, I’m even willing to stay after the club meeting to discuss it. I really do take this seriously, even if it doesn’t seem like it right now.”

Monika: (softening) “We all believe in you, Natsuki, and we know how passionate you can be. Let’s see that passion in your poem tomorrow. Now, let’s continue with our meeting. Who wants to share their poem next?”

(The club members continue sharing their poems, and the meeting goes on with the same warmth and camaraderie as always, albeit with a light-hearted tease or two directed at Natsuki’s forgetfulness.

(The day after…)

Monika: “Good afternoon, everyone! Let’s take our seats and get started. Natsuki, did you bring your poem today?”

Natsuki: (confidently) “Yes, I did! And this time I double-checked to make sure I didn’t grab a manga or anything else by mistake.” (pulls out a torn sheet of paper from her bag) “Here it is, my poem- wait a minute…WHAT HAPPENED TO MY POEM?!” (stares at the paper in shock) “There’s a big stain on it and all the words are smudged out! Oh man, I must have spilled something in my bag. I can’t believe this! I really did write it this time!”

Monika: (sighing, clearly on the brink of losing it) “Natsuki…this is the third time in a row. Two more and we’re going to have to talk about whether or not this is affecting the club’s activities. I understand that accidents happen, but there’s a pattern now, and it’s disruptive. We all need to depend on each other to make this club a success.”

Natsuki: (near tears, frustrated with herself) “I’m so sorry, Monika, I really am. I worked hard on that poem. I stayed up late and everything. I didn’t mean for this to keep happening. I’ll—I’ll rewrite it from memory right now if you want. I just… I want to make it right.”

Monika: (composed, but firm) “Natsuki, that won’t be necessary right now. I think what’s important is that we talk about how to prevent this from happening in the future. Could you maybe email your poem to me after you write it? That way, even if something happens to the paper, we’ll still have a copy. And if you’re having trouble with time management, we can work together to find a system that works for you. Let’s discuss this after today’s session. Okay?”

Natsuki: (nodding, feeling somewhat relieved) “Yeah, that sounds like a good idea. Thanks, Monika. And I promise I’ll make it up to you and the club. I’ll even throw in some cupcakes for the next meeting.”

Monika: (cracking a smile) “All right, that sounds like a plan. Your cupcakes are always a hit, Natsuki. But more importantly, we’re looking forward to your poem – the words, not just the sweets. For now, let’s carry on with today’s agenda. We’re all here to support one another. Remember, our shared love for literature is what brings us together.”

(The club members proceed with their meeting, supportive of Natsuki despite the setbacks, and the atmosphere of the Literature Club remains one of encouragement and artistic fervor.)

(The fourth day in a row…)

Monika: “Natsuki, PLEASE tell me you have your poem today. We all have been very patient, and we’re truly looking forward to hearing what you’ve written.”

Natsuki: “Uh…about that…”

Monika: (confused) “Natsuki? What’s wrong? Did something happen to the poem again?”

Natsuki: (nervously reaching into her bag) “Last night at 7:30…there was a power outage in my neighborhood just as I sat down at my desk. I-I-I could barely see a thing, and I was trying to write by candlelight, you know, to set the mood and maybe make up for the last few days. But then…” (sighs deeply) “But then, my cat, she… she jumped onto the table and knocked over the candle. It was a small fire, nothing serious! I put it out quickly! But my poem, it got singed. And in the panic and mess, I tried to rewrite it, but it was so late, and I was exhausted. Here’s what remains of it.” (hands a slightly charred piece of paper to Monika)

Monika: (inspecting the damaged paper, then looking at Natsuki with a furious look in her eyes) “Your CAT did