Harper, a petite woman in a blue sundress, hesitated at the gate, her shoes crunching softly on the gravel path. The air shimmered with the scent of gardenias, and lanterns bobbed in the gentle summer breeze. She gathered her courage, adjusted her purse strap, and stepped inside, blending with a cheerful crowd.
"Excuse me, could you point me to the bathroom?"
A tall man grinned and gestured vaguely down the hall, already turning away to refill his drink.
Harper wandered, her footsteps tentative against the polished wood. She squinted at a door with a pastel moon sticker and pushed it open, expecting a powder room. Instead, she found herself in a softly-lit nursery, walls painted with clouds and stars, a crib waiting under a mobile of silver moons.
"Well, this is definitely not the bathroom," she murmured, stifling a laugh.
A pair of tipsy guests peeked in, their faces flushed from champagne. They paused, eyes widening as they spotted Harper standing by the crib, her small stature and round face framed by the mobile’s gentle glow.
Lila, a well-meaning but oblivious guest, whispered, "Oh my gosh, who left the little one all alone?"
Ben, her partner, nodded in earnest. "She must need a change and a nap. Poor thing looks so confused."
Before Harper could protest, gentle hands scooped her up and sat her down on a changing mat. Plush animals watched from every corner as Lila and Ben debated diaper brands and debated lullaby choices.
"Wait, I’m not—" she tried, but Lila was already humming softly and patting her back.
"Shh, little one, let’s get you cozy," she cooed, tucking a soft blanket around Harper.
Harper lay in the crib, bewildered but oddly comfortable, as the guests tiptoed out, closing the door with exaggerated care. Laughter and music drifted back in, muffled by the nursery walls. She sighed, deciding to rest for just a moment, the absurdity of the night lulling her into unexpected drowsiness.
Maya, the party host, knelt beside the crib, her eyes soft with amusement and concern.
"Well, it looks like I’ve gained a new baby tonight," she teased, offering her hand.
Harper laughed, embarrassment fading into a sheepish grin as Maya helped her up.
"Come on, let’s get you some cake—and maybe a proper bathroom this time, kiddo,"
