(In the school literature clubroom…)

Monika: “Um…has anyone seen Sayori lately?”

Yuri: “No, I haven’t seen her since our last club meeting. Did anyone else notice her absence?”

Natsuki: “I haven’t seen her either. Maybe she just skipped club today.”

Monika: “That’s not like her, though. Sayori is usually so energetic and always excited about the literature club. I hope she’s okay.”

Yuri: “Perhaps we should message her and see if she’s alright. It’s unusual for Sayori to miss club without letting us know in advance.”

Natsuki: “Yeah, I agree. Let’s message her and make sure everything is okay.”

(Meanwhile, at the hospital…)

Sayori’s doctor: “Sayori, we’ll try everything we can to delay your preterm labor. That way, Sachiko has a higher chance to be born without complications.”

Sayori: “Thank you, doctor. I’m really worried about Sachiko, but I want to do everything I can for her.”

Sayori’s doctor: “You’re doing a great job, Sayori. Just try to stay positive and remember to take it easy. We will monitor both of you closely.”

(Sayori’s phone buzzes with a message from Monika.)

Sayori: “Oh, it’s a message from Monika. I hope I can come up with a good excuse for missing the club meeting.”

(Sayori opens the message and reads it with a growing sense of guilt.)

Monika’s message: “Hey Sayori, we noticed you weren’t at the club today. Is everything alright? We’re a little worried about you.”

Sayori: “Oh no, they’re worried about me. I can’t lie to them, they’re my friends.”

(Sayori takes a deep breath and starts typing a reply.)

Sayori’s reply: “Hey guys, I’m really sorry I couldn’t make it to the club today. Something unexpected came up and I had to go to the hospital. I’m okay though, just dealing with some health stuff. I’ll fill you in on the details later. Sorry again for not letting you know in advance.”

(She sends the message, hoping her friends will understand.)

Monika: “Oh, so she’s at the hospital. I hope she’s okay. Let’s reply and let her know we’re here for her.”

(Monika replies to Sayori’s message.)

Monika’s reply: “Sayori, don’t worry about missing club. Your health and well-being come first. We’re here for you, so take all the time you need. Please let us know if there’s anything we can do to help. Sending you lots of love and support!”

Yuri: “I agree with Monika. Take care of yourself, Sayori. We’ll be thinking of you and Sachiko. Let us know if you need anything.”

Natsuki: “Yeah, we’re here for you, Sayori. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you need any help or if there’s anything we can do. Sending you positive vibes.”

(Sayori smiles upon reading her friends’ understanding and supportive messages. She may not be physically present, but she knows her friends are there for her.)

Sayori: “Thank you, guys. Your support means the world to me. I’ll keep you updated on everything. Love you all.”

(With her friends’ encouragement, Sayori feels a renewed sense of strength and determination to face the challenges ahead. And though she may be physically absent from the clubroom, her presence is felt through the unwavering support of her literature club friends.)

{MINUTES LATER}

(At the hospital…)

Sayori: “Doctor…it’s getting worse…”