(As I sat there in my room, I began to work on a drawing of some of my fellow club members as dragons - Sayori as a Sentinel, Yuri as a Deathgripper, Monika as a Night Fury, Sucrose as a Timberjack, Collei as a Snaptrapper, Himari as a Changewing, and Kohana as a Whispering Death. That’s when I heard someone - it was my “dad”. Of course, he isn’t really my dad - I just call him that. His real name is Masao.)

Masao: “Natsuki, can I talk with you for a moment?”

(I quickly ran downstairs, ignoring the fact my Stormcutter tail is still visible.)

Natsuki: “Sure, what’s up?”

Masao: “I just wanted to check on how you’re doing. I know school and the club have been keeping you busy, and I want to make sure you’re taking care of yourself.”

Natsuki: “Oh, yeah, I’m doing okay. Thanks for checking in.”

Masao: “Good to hear. And I have to say, that drawing you’re working on is looking really impressive. You’re really talented.”

Natsuki: “Thanks, Masao. I’m trying my best.”

Masao: “Well, keep it up. And if you ever need to talk or if anything is bothering you, don’t hesitate to come to me.”

Natsuki: “I will. Thanks for being there for me, Masao.”

Masao: “Of course, Natsuki. You’re like family to me.”

(I smiled at Masao’s words, grateful for the support system I had in my life. As I turned back to my drawing, I felt a renewed sense of inspiration and motivation to keep creating and pursuing my passions. And as I finally finished the drawing, I suddenly got a phone call - it was from Monika. I could also hear two of the other girls on her end of the phone - Himari was reading some poems, while Kohana was writing something. I knew Monika was pregnant, but I could also hear movements in her belly. Sayori was audibly eating a cookie, Yuri was reading “Portrait of Markov” as she usually does, Sucrose was probably working on an experiment, and Collei was cleaning her arrows.)

Monika: “Hey, Natsuki! We were just wondering if you wanted to come over and hang out with us.”

Natsuki: “Yeah, that sounds fun! I just finished a drawing of you guys as dragons - want me to bring it over?”

Monika: “Definitely! We’d love to see it.”

(I quickly packed up my drawing and headed over to Monika’s house. As soon as I arrived, I was greeted with warm hugs and smiles from all my friends.)

Sayori: “Natsuki! You made it!”

Himari: “We were just reading some of our favorite poems. Want to hear some?”

Natsuki: “Sure, I’d love to.”

(Yuri handed me a copy of “Portrait of Markov”, and I settled down on the couch to listen to Himari’s poems and read along with Yuri’s book. As we spent the rest of the evening together, laughing and sharing our passions, I felt grateful for the friends and support system I had in my life. And I knew that no matter what challenges or obstacles came my way, I had my “family” to rely on. Eventually, I decided to show them all my drawing.)