(Natsuki wakes up to the sound of somebody knocking on her front door - even though it was early in the morning. She gets up, and so do her 3-year-old triplets - Sakura, Hiroshi, and Aiko.)

Natsuki: “Who’s there?”

(Natsuki and her triplets rush downstairs. To her surprise, it was Monika!)

Monika: “Good morning, Natsuki! I’m sorry if I woke you up.”

(Sakura hides behind Natsuki’s legs, while Hiroshi and Aiko smile warmly.)

Sakura: (shyly) “Good morning, Auntie Monika.”

Monika: “Natsuki, what’s up with Sakura? Is she normally this shy?”

Natsuki: “Yeah. Back when I was pregnant, she didn’t start kicking until I was 6 months along. But what are you doing here?”

Monika: “Well, I was wondering if you could bring your triplets to the club meeting today.”

Natsuki: “Monika, the triplets are only 3 years old. And not to mention that today is Sayori’s due date…”

Monika: “I know, I know. But I thought it would be nice for them to spend some time with the club members. We could all use a break and some cute company, right?”

(Natsuki hesitates for a moment, considering Monika’s request. She looks at her triplets and then back at Monika.)

Natsuki: “I don’t know, Monika. They can be quite a handful, especially in a new environment. And I don’t want to overwhelm Sayori on her due date.”

Monika: “I understand your concerns, Natsuki. But I promise I’ll take full responsibility for them. We can make sure they have a safe and fun time at the club. It’ll just be for a little while.”

(Natsuki contemplates the idea, knowing that her friends at the club genuinely care for her and her children. She looks at her triplets, who seem excited about the prospect of going somewhere new.)

Natsuki: “Alright, but only for a few hours. It’ll be a good distraction for all of us.”

(Monika smiles gratefully.)

Monika: “Thank you, Natsuki. I really appreciate it. We’ll make sure everything goes smoothly.”

(Later that day, Natsuki arrives at the Literature Club with her triplets in tow. The club members, including Sayori, who was heavily pregnant with twins, welcome them warmly.)

Sayori: “Oh my gosh, Natsuki! Your triplets are so adorable! And they’re finally getting to meet the club!”

Natsuki: “Yeah, they’re pretty excited about it. But please, guys, remember that they’re still young and full of energy.”

Yuri: “Not to worry, Natsuki. I’ve transformed the clubroom into a child-friendly space. We’ve got toys, coloring books, and even some snacks prepared for them.”

Hiroshi: “Yay, toys!” *He runs towards the corner of the room where a small play area has been set up, with Sakura and Aiko following close behind.*

Monika: “I’ll make sure they have a blast while keeping a watchful eye on them. Don’t worry, Natsuki, they’ll be safe and sound.”

(As the club meeting begins, the members take turns engaging with the triplets, reading them stories, and helping them with their coloring. Sayori, who had been watching from her seat, was visibly happy to see the joy on the kids’ faces.)

Sayori: (a hint of pain in her voice) “Natsuki, thank you so much for bringing them here. They’ve brought such happiness into the club.”

Natsuki: “Sayori? Is everything okay?”

Sayori: (a hint of pain in her voice) “Yeah, everything’s fine. Why’d you ask?”

(Just then Sayori’s pain becomes so intense she can’t hide it anymore.)