(In the clubroom…)

Monika: “Okay, everything’s all set up!” (notices that nobody else is around) “…uh…hello? Guys? Anyone there?”

(Monika’s words echo through the empty clubroom.)

Monika: “…everyone must’ve gone home already. Oh well, I can always wait for the others tomorrow-”

(Just then, the rest of the club members burst into the room - Yuri brought her favorite book with her, Natsuki’s hair was somehow all messed up, and Sayori had a picture in her hand. The picture was of her rubbing her mother’s bump.)

Yuri: (excitedly) “Monika, you won’t believe what just happened! I discovered this fascinating passage in my book that I have to share with you.”

Natsuki: (frustrated) “You won’t believe how my hair got like this. Someone accidentally spilled juice on me. Can you believe that?”

Sayori: (grinning) “And look, Monika! I found this picture of me and my mom. She’s pregnant, and I was helping her rub her baby bump. Isn’t it adorable?”

Monika: (smiling) “Wow, so many things happening all at once! Yuri, I’d love to hear about the passage you found. Natsuki, I can help you fix your hair if you’d like. And Sayori, that picture is absolutely heartwarming. You must be so excited for your new sibling.”

Yuri: “Well, in this passage, the author paints this vivid imagery of a forbidden love story set in the 19th century. The way they describe the characters’ emotions is simply breathtaking. I thought it might inspire us for our next club activity.”

Natsuki: (rolling her eyes) “Yeah, yeah, whatever. Just try not to spill any more juice on me, please.”

Sayori: (giggling) “Monika, maybe we could incorporate the idea of family into our next activity. It can be about the different dynamics and experiences within families. What do you think?”

Monika: (enthusiastically) “That’s a great idea, Sayori! We could create poems or short stories that showcase the unique bond between family members. It would be an opportunity to tap into our creativity and explore the warmth and complexities of family connections.”

Yuri: (nodding) “I quite like that theme, Monika. It would be an intriguing departure from our usual literary discussions.”

Natsuki: “Fine, I guess I can try to come up with something fitting. But no mushy stuff, okay?”

Monika: (laughing) “Don’t worry, Natsuki. We’ll make sure everyone’s contribution reflects their personal style. It’s all about expressing ourselves through writing, after all.”

Sayori: (contently) “I’m excited already! I can’t wait to see what everyone comes up with.”

(As the club members settled into their seats, their excitement filled the room once again. The empty clubroom was now brimming with creativity and camaraderie, ready to embark on a new literary journey exploring the complexities of family. Shortly after the meeting, they all went to see Sayori’s mom in the hospital - and sure enough, she was about 9 months pregnant.)

(In the hospital room…)

(Monika, Yuri, Natsuki, and Sayori stood around Sayori’s mom, their eyes filled with anticipation and awe. Sayori’s mom, Mrs. Igarashi, smiled warmly at them.)

Mrs. Igarashi: (despite her pain) “Thank you all for coming to visit me. It means a lot to both Sayori and me.”

Yuri: “It’s our pleasure, Mrs. Igarashi. We’re excited to meet the new addition to your family.”

Natsuki: “Yeah, we’re all here to support Sayori and her family. Plus, I want to make sure she doesn’t get too sappy about it.”

Sayori: (giggles) “Hey, don’t be so mean, Natsuki. This is a special moment.”

Monika: “Indeed, it is. Sayori, how are you feeling about becoming a big sister?”

Sayori: (beaming) “I’m super excited, Monika! I’ve always wanted a sibling, someone I can play with and take care of. I think I’m going to be the best big sister ever!”

Mrs. Igarashi: (laughs) “I have no doubt about that, sweetie. You’ll be an amazing big sister.”

Yuri: “Sayori, I hope this experience inspires your creativity for our next club activity.”

Sayori: (grinning) “Definitely, Yuri. I can’t wait to write about the bond between siblings and the happiness they bring to each other’s lives.”

Natsuki: “Just please, no overly emotional stuff. I can’t handle that.”

Monika: “Don’t worry, Natsuki. We’ll find a way to incorporate your style into our family-themed activity as well.”

Mrs. Igarashi: “You girls are so thoughtful. I’m grateful that Sayori has such great friends in the Literature Club.”

Sayori: “We’re grateful for each other too, Mom. The Literature Club means the world to me. When can I meet my little brother?”