(As I walked to the clubroom, I couldn’t believe what happened yesterday. MC, my childhood friend, had died. The news hit me like a ton of bricks. And as I entered the clubroom, I could see Monika and Himari getting ready for something. Kotonhoa was also there, and was moving a strange pool - it was round and royal purple. Natsuki was there, too - she was filling the pool with warm water. I was confused as to what they were doing.)

Natsuki: “Okay…that should be everything for when Yuri arrives.”

Kotonhoa: “I can’t believe that she’s due today.”

Monika: “None of us can, Kotonhoa! But why would she choose to have a water birth?”

Himari: “Wait…Sayori? What’s wrong?”

(I looked up at Himari, tears brimming in my eyes.)

Sayori: “MC…he’s gone, Himari. He died yesterday.”

(Himari’s eyes widened in shock, and she rushed over to me, wrapping me in a tight embrace.)

Himari: “Oh, Sayori…I’m so sorry. I had no idea. We’ll postpone our plans for now, of course.”

Kotonhoa: “Yes, Sayori. We can do this another time.”

Natsuki: “We’re all here for you, Sayori. Anything you need, just ask.”

Monika: “I can’t imagine what you’re going through, Sayori. But we’re all here to support you.”

(Silently, we all stood together, in a moment of mourning for our friend. And even though MC was gone, we knew that our friendship would keep us strong. That’s when Yuri entered the room - and she immediately got into the royal purple pool, while putting a hand on her bump.)

Yuri: “I’m sorry if I’m late. The contractions have been intense.”

Sayori: “It’s fine, Yuri. We’re all just glad that you’re here.”

Himari: “Do you need anything, Yuri? We can get you some water or some towels.”

Yuri: “Thank you, Himari. Some water would be lovely.”

Kotonoha: “I’ll go get it.”

Natsuki: “And I’ll get some towels.”

(Monika looked on, a small smile on her face.)

Monika: “I’m so happy for you, Yuri. You’re going to be an amazing mother.”

Yuri: “Thank you, Monika. I can’t wait to hold my little one.”

(Silently, we continued to help Yuri through her contractions, each of us supporting her in our own way. And even though MC was no longer with us, his memory lived on through each of us, and through the new life that was about to enter the world.)

Monika: “I think I see the head! Keep pushing, Yuri!”

(Yuri grunted, a look of determination on her face. We all encouraged her, our voices mixing together as we urged her on.)

Himari: “You’re doing great, Yuri! Just a few more pushes!”

Natsuki: “That’s it! Keep going!”

Kotonhoa: “You’ve got this, Yuri! Just a little bit more!”

(Yuri let out a cry as the baby was finally born, a little boy with a tuft of black hair.)