(In the school literature clubroom…)

Monika: “There! Everything’s all set up for today’s meeting. Now we just need Yuri.”

Sayori: “I hope she didn’t get lost in one of her books again. She’s always getting lost in those worlds of hers.”

Natsuki: “Yeah, she’s so mysterious sometimes. I bet she’s reading some creepy, old book that no one’s ever heard of.”

Monika: “Let’s not jump to conclusions, girls. Yuri is just passionate about literature, that’s all.”

Natsuki: “I’ll see what I can do to find her. I bet she’s in the library again. She practically lives in there.”

(Natsuki heads off to the library, leaving Sayori and Monika in the clubroom.)

Sayori: “Do you think she’s okay, Monika?”

Monika: “I’m sure she’s fine, Sayori. Yuri can handle herself, she just gets lost in her thoughts sometimes. We all have our own ways of escaping reality.”

Sayori: “I guess you’re right. I just worry about her sometimes, you know?”

Monika: “I understand, Sayori. We all care about each other here, that’s why we’re all part of the literature club. We’re like a family in a way. And speaking of family…”

(Monika lifts up her uniform, revealing her baby bump.)

Monika: “…my little girl’s excited for the meeting, too.”

Sayori: “Oh my gosh, Monika, that’s wonderful news! Congratulations! I bet she’s going to love literature just like her mom.”

Monika: (lowering her uniform) “Thank you, Sayori. I can’t wait to share my love of books with her. But let’s focus on finding Yuri for now. Natsuki should be back soon.”

(Suddenly, Natsuki bursts into the room, with Yuri following behind her.)

Natsuki: “I found her! She was actually in the library, just like I predicted. She was so engrossed in her book, she didn’t even notice me.”

Yuri: “I-I apologize for being late, I lost t-track of time. B-But I’m here now, ready for the meeting.”

Monika: “No need to apologize, Yuri. We’re just glad you’re here.”

Yuri: “Thank you, M-Monika. I’m looking f-forward to discussing literature w-with all of you today.”

Monika: (holding her belly) “GAH! Ow!”

Yuri: “O-Oh my goodness, a-are you okay, Monika? S-Should I call for help?”

Monika: “No, no, it’s just…aah!…a little kick from my baby girl. She must be…ugh!…excited for the meeting too.”

Sayori: “Monika, you sure you’re alright? Should we call the nurse or something?”

Monika: “No, no, I’m fine. Just a little…ah!…surprise kick, that’s all. Let’s get started with the- …oh my god…oh my god…”

(Suddenly, Monika doubles over in pain, clutching her stomach.)

Yuri: “M-Monika, what’s wrong?! Should I call for help now?!”

Monika: (struggling to speak) “N-no, wait…it’s…oh…my water just broke. I think…it’s time…”

Sayori: “Oh my goodness, Monika! We need to get you to the hospital right now!”

Natsuki: “I’ll go get help! Don’t worry, Monika, we’ll take care of you!”

(Yuri quickly helps Monika to her feet and supports her as they rush out of the clubroom. Sayori follows close behind, panicking but trying to stay calm.)

Yuri: “Everything will be okay, Monika. We’ll get you to the hospital in no time.”

Monika: (smiling through the pain) “Thank you, girls. I couldn’t ask for better friends. Please…keep the meeting going without me. I’ll be- …oh my god!”

(Suddenly, another contraction hits Monika and she lets out a cry of pain as they continue rushing towards the exit.)

Sayori: “Hang in there, Monika! We’ll take care of everything here. Just focus on breathing and we’ll get you help!”

Monika: “I-I-I don’t think I can wait much longer! I can see the head!”