A Surprise for Nina

Nina was due to turn twenty-three on Friday, and her friends had resolved to throw her a surprise party. Julia, Omar and Pablo met at a café to work out the details over two cups of coffee. Every table was taken, so a waiter ushered them to a seat at the back. “Is this table ours?” Pablo asked. “It’s all yours,” the waiter replied with a smile.

“Let’s hold it at my flat,” said Julia. “Shall we invite the whole class?” Pablo asked. “I’d keep it small,” said Omar. “Nina’s never been fond of big parties.” Julia nodded, pointing out that her sitting room was just big enough for a handful of friends, and jotted down a list of eight names.

“Who’s going to take care of the music?” Julia asked. “The speaker’s mine,” said Omar, “but I’ll need a little time to put a playlist together.” He took his playlists very seriously. “Why not ask Nina’s sister for ideas?” Pablo suggested. “She knows every song Nina loves.”

Julia studied the list once more. “Is there anything we’ve forgotten?” “Someone has to keep Nina away from the flat until seven,” said Pablo. “Leave that to me,” said Omar. “I’ve nothing planned for the afternoon.” They all burst out laughing, relieved that the last problem had solved itself.

Before leaving, the three friends ran through the plan one final time, since nobody wanted to be the one who spoiled it, and Julia made them promise not to whisper about it in front of Nina all week. On Friday at seven, Nina opened the door and was greeted by a chorus of “Surprise!” She was so astonished that she could not utter a single word.