(In the school literature clubroom…)

Monika: “So…while we’re waiting for the others to arrive…is there something you wanted to talk about, Natsuki?”

Natsuki: (sighs) “Yeah. It’s about my ex-boyfriend Lunagaron.”

Monika: “Oh, I didn’t know you had an ex-boyfriend. What happened between you two, Natsuki?”

Natsuki: “We recently broke up, and I can’t help but think about it constantly. It’s been really tough for me, especially since I told him about this…” (lifting up her shirt to reveal her belly) “…burden.”

Monika: (surprised) “Oh… Natsuki, I didn’t expect this. Are you… are you saying you’re pregnant?”

Natsuki: (nods, her voice trembling) “Yeah…7 months along now. I didn’t plan for any of this. We were both supposed to be using protection, but something went wrong.”

Monika: “I’m really sorry to hear that, Natsuki. That must be incredibly difficult for you. Have you talked to Lunagaron about it? How did he react?”

Natsuki: “He was shocked at first, just like me. We both never anticipated this happening. But when I entered my second trimester, he started acting distant and eventually broke up with me. He said he wasn’t ready for the responsibility of being a father, and he didn’t want it to affect his future plans.”

Monika: “I can’t imagine how heartbreaking that must have been for you, Natsuki. It’s never easy going through something like this, especially without the support of the person you thought would be by your side. Do you have anyone else you can turn to for support?”

Natsuki: “Not really… My friends are great, but they don’t understand what I’m going through. And my parents… they would be devastated if they found out. I just feel so alone.”

Monika: “I’m really sorry to hear that, Natsuki. You shouldn’t have to go through this alone. Is there anyone you can trust, maybe a counselor or a teacher, who could help you deal with everything?”

Natsuki: “I’ve thought about it, but I’m afraid of what people will think. I don’t want to be judged or treated differently because of this. I just want to find a way to handle it on my own.”

Monika: “It’s completely understandable to feel that way, but remember that reaching out for support doesn’t make you weak or any less capable. Sometimes, having someone to lean on can make a world of difference. They can offer guidance, advice, and just be there to listen when you need to talk.”

Natsuki: “I… I guess you’re right. It’s just hard to admit that I can’t handle everything on my own. But I’ll think about it. Maybe talking to someone would actually help.”

Monika: “That’s a good first step, Natsuki. Remember, you don’t have to carry this burden alone. We’re here for you too, in the literature club. If you ever need someone to talk to or lend a listening ear, please don’t hesitate to reach out.”

Natsuki: (smiling faintly) “Thank you, Monika. I really appreciate that. It means a lot to me.”

Monika: “Of course, Natsuki. We’re a team here, and we’re here to support each other through the good times and the difficult ones. We’ll get through this together.”

Natsuki: (looking at her belly) “Oh!”

(Startled, Natsuki puts her hand on her belly.)

Monika: “Is everything okay, Natsuki?”

Natsuki: (blushing) “Yeah, sorry. It’s just that my little girl kicked. I think I’ll name her Sakura. It’s a constant reminder of what I’m going through.”

Monika: “That’s a beautiful name, Natsuki. Sakura signifies strength and beauty, just like you. She’s lucky to have such a strong and caring mother like you.”

Natsuki: (smiling) “Thank you, Monika. That means a lot to me. I want to do my best for her, even in this difficult situation.”

Monika: “I have no doubt that you will, Natsuki. And remember, you don’t have to face this alone. We’re here for you, both as friends and as part of the literature club.”

Natsuki: “I really appreciate that, Monika. It means a lot to have your support.” (feeling another kick) “Ah!! Alright, Sakura, I get it. You’re excited to meet everyone too.” (laughs)

Monika: (laughs) “Looks like Sakura is already eager to make her presence known.”

Natsuki: “Yeah, she definitely has a lot of energy. I just hope I can keep up with her once she’s here.”

Monika: “I have no doubt that you’ll be an amazing mother, Natsuki. You have so much love and care to give. And Sakura is lucky to have you.”

(Eventually, the other club members - Sayori, Yuri, and MC - arrive.)

Sayori: “Sorry we’re late, everyone! We got caught up talking to some teachers.”

Yuri: “Yes, and discussing potential themes for our next club activity. We have quite a few ideas.”

MC: “Hey, what were you guys talking about while we were away?”

Natsuki: “Oh, just some personal stuff. But don’t worry about it, it’s nothing important.”

Monika: “Actually, we were discussing something important. Natsuki shared something very personal with me, and I think it’s essential for all of us to be here for her.”

Sayori: “What’s going on, Natsuki? You know we’re all here for you.”

Natsuki: (takes a deep breath) “Alright. I guess I should just say it. I’m pregnant. 7 months along, to be exact.”

(Surprised silence fills the room as the other club members process Natsuki’s revelation.)

Sayori: (wide-eyed) “Natsuki, I… I had no idea. That must have been really difficult for you.”

Yuri: “I can’t even imagine what you’ve been going through. It must have been incredibly challenging.”

MC: “Wow, Natsuki. That’s a lot to take in. We’re here for you, though. You’re not alone.”

Sayori: “Absolutely! We’re your friends, Natsuki. We’ll support you no matter what.”

Yuri: “Yes, Natsuki. Please know that we care about you and want to help in any way we can.”

Natsuki: (teary-eyed) “I… I didn’t expect this kind of reaction. Thank you all. It means more to me than you know.”

Monika: “Natsuki, it’s important for you to have a strong support system during this time. Your friends are here for you, and we want to help.”

Natsuki: (sniffles) “I… I appreciate that, Monika. I’ve been feeling so alone lately, and it’s nice to know that I have all of you.”

MC: “Natsuki, have you thought about talking to someone outside the club? Like a counselor or a trusted adult?”

Natsuki: “I… I haven’t really considered it. I’ve been scared of judgment and rejection.”

Sayori: “Natsuki, you don’t have to face this alone. There are people out there who can offer guidance and support without judging you.”

Yuri: “If you’re worried about what others might think, perhaps you can find someone who specializes in offering support to young mothers?”

Natsuki: (hesitant) “I… I’ll think about it. I guess it couldn’t hurt to explore that option.”

Monika: “That’s the spirit, Natsuki. It takes a lot of strength to ask for help, and I’m proud of you for considering it.”

Natsuki: “Thank you, everyone. Your words mean a lot to me. I… I really don’t know what I would do without you.”

MC: “We’re here for you every step of the way, Natsuki. You can count on us.”

(Smiles are exchanged among the club members as they offer their support to Natsuki. Though the road ahead may be challenging, they know that together, they can navigate through it. But towards the end of the meeting, Natsuki feels a wave of pain wash over her.)

Natsuki: “AAAH!!! Ow, ow…guys, I think they’re starting!”

Monika: (concerned) “Natsuki, are you alright? Are you in labor?”

Natsuki: (gritting her teeth) “I…I think so. It’s too early, I’m not ready!”

Sayori: “Don’t worry, Natsuki. We’ll take care of you. MC, call an ambulance!”

MC: (panicked) “Right! I’ll call right away!”

Yuri: “Natsuki, try to stay calm. We’re here for you. Breathe through the contractions, okay?”

(Within moments, an ambulance is called, and the club members do their best to keep Natsuki calm and comfortable while they wait for help to arrive. However, Natsuki’s labor progresses rapidly.)

Natsuki: “Guys, I can’t…AAAAAAAAHHHH!!! It hurts so much!”

Monika: “Hang in there, Natsuki! Help is on the way. Just focus on your breathing and try to stay as calm as possible.”

Sayori: “You’re doing great, Natsuki! Just keep breathing and know that soon you’ll get to meet your beautiful baby.”

Yuri: “Remember to take deep breaths and try to relax as much as you can. We’re right here with you, Natsuki.”

MC: “The ambulance is on its way, Natsuki. Just a little longer, and they’ll be here to help you.”

Natsuki: “Okay, okay…I’ll try…AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!”

(As Natsuki endures the intense pain of labor, her friends offer words of encouragement and support. But as the ambulance siren could be heard, Natsuki screams in agony as she enters full labor.)

Natsuki: “IT’S HAPPENING, GUYS!!!”

(The door bursts open and paramedics rush into the room, immediately attending to Natsuki.)

Paramedic 1: “Alright, let’s get you on the stretcher, Natsuki. We’re going to take you to the hospital.”

Natsuki: (gripping Monika’s hand tightly) “Please, don’t leave me…”

Monika: “I’ll be right here with you, Natsuki. I’m not going anywhere.”

Paramedic 2: “We need you to try and stay as calm as possible, Natsuki. We’ll do everything we can to make this as comfortable for you as possible.”

Natsuki: (nodding) “Okay…okay-” (clutching her belly tightly as she starts pushing) “AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!”