(In the school literature clubroom…)

Monika: “Uh…has anyone seen Natsuki?”

Yuri: “No, I haven’t. She’s usually here by now.”

Sayori: “Maybe she’s running late today. Let’s give her a few more minutes.”

Monika: “Sure, we can wait a little longer. Hopefully, she’ll show up soon.”

Yuri: “I must admit, I am getting a bit worried. Natsuki rarely misses our club meetings.”

Sayori: “Yeah, it’s not like her to be late without letting us know. I hope everything is alright.”

(Meanwhile, at Natsuki’s place…)

Natsuki: “Of all times to have contractions…it had to be 2 months before my due date?!” (speaking to her unborn daughter) “Don’t worry, Sakura! It’ll be over soon!”

(Back in the clubroom…)

Monika: “Alright, it’s been a while now. Maybe we should check up on Natsuki?”

Yuri: “I agree. It’s unusual for her not to show up or at least inform us if she can’t make it.”

Sayori: “Maybe something’s happened. We should go to her place and see if everything is alright.”

(The three of them leave the clubroom and head to Natsuki’s house. They knock on her door, but there is no response.)

Monika: “Natsuki? Are you there? It’s Monika, Yuri, and Sayori from the literature club.”

Yuri: “Natsuki, please open the door. We’re worried about you.”

(They hear a faint scream from inside, but it’s too muffled to make out.)

Sayori: “Did you hear that? I think it came from inside.”

Monika: “We need to get in. Natsuki, if you can hear us, we’re coming in!”

(As they search for a way to open the door, Yuri notices that it’s slightly ajar.)

Yuri: “The door is slightly open. Maybe Natsuki accidentally left it unlocked?”

Sayori: “Let’s not waste any more time. We need to go in and make sure she’s okay.”

(They cautiously push the door open and walk inside. The atmosphere is eerily quiet, with an unsettling tension in the air.)

Monika: “Natsuki? Are you here? Please, say something.”

(They make their way to Natsuki’s room, where they see her sitting on the floor, holding her stomach in pain - clearly starting to push.)

Natsuki: (groaning in pain) “Oh my…you guys…I didn’t…expect you to see me like this.”

Sayori: (rushing towards Natsuki) “Natsuki, what’s happening? Are you okay?”

Yuri: (grabbing her phone and dialing for an ambulance) “Don’t worry, Natsuki. We’ll get you the help you need. Just hold on.”

Monika: (kneeling beside Natsuki) “You’re going into labor, Natsuki. We’re here for you. Everything will be alright.”

Natsuki: (gasping for breath) “I…I didn’t want to worry you guys. This was unexpected…but the contractions were coming so fast that I started to push and couldn’t make it to the hospital.”

Sayori: “It’s okay, Natsuki. We’re here now, and we’ll make sure you and the baby are safe.”

Monika: “Let’s try to stay calm. I’m going to call an ambulance right away and explain the situation.”

(Yuri continues to comfort Natsuki while Monika gets on the phone.)

Monika: “Hello, we have a friend who is going into labor and couldn’t make it to the hospital. We need an ambulance as soon as possible.”

Operator: “Alright, ma’am. Can you please provide me with your friend’s name and address?”

(Monika quickly gives the necessary information while Yuri tries to keep Natsuki calm.)

Yuri: “Natsuki, just remember to breathe. We’ll take care of everything. You’re doing great.”

Natsuki: (squeezing Yuri’s hand) “Thanks, Yuri. I’m scared, but I’m glad you guys are here.”

Sayori: (holding Natsuki’s other hand) “We’re not going anywhere, Natsuki. We’ll support you no matter what.”

(Monika ends the call and joins the others.)

Monika: “The ambulance is on its way. They said it’ll be here in a few minutes.”

Natsuki: (weakly) “Thank you all so much…I don’t know what I would’ve done without you.”

(Just as Natsuki finishes her sentence, a wave of pain overtakes her as she continues to