Moisture hung in the air, turning the night foggy as Molly and Bill crouched behind the overgrown hedges of Mrs. Hibber's well-manicured garden. Their mission was ludicrous, risky, and utterly ridiculous—perfect for a pair like them. "All right, so once the coast is clear, we dash into the clown tent." Molly whispered, her eyes gleaming with a mix of nerves and excitement. Bill scoffed softly. “The clown tent? You realize they don't actually store the gifts there, right? It’s obviously going to be near the bouncy castle. It’s always near the bouncy castle.” Molly frowned, her hands on her hips. "And since when did you become the expert on children's party logistics, hm?" Bill rolled his eyes, “Since I observed the location of the presents when we did that recon last week, remember? Or were you too busy planning your circus career as a clown?” Ignoring his jab, Molly countered, “Well, my plan has flare and diversion. Your plan has us sprinting across the middle of a kids' party like caffeinated squirrels.” As they argued, the distant sound of laughter and music drifted from the backyard, the party in full swing. The stakes couldn’t be lower, yet the thrill was undeniable. “Okay, what if," Bill proposed, pausing for a dramatic effect, "we combine the plans? I distract the adults near the bouncy castle while you sneak in the clown tent.” Molly's eyes lit up, a smirk spreading across her face. “Bill, that’s actually not a terrible idea. You, my friend, will make a wonderful distraction.” “Yeah, well, you'll make an even better clown,” Bill grinned back, nudging her shoulder. They waited for the right moment. As the laughter escalated, punctuated by the sounds of a piñata being smashed, they knew it was time. Bill tidy his shabby magician costume, giving Molly a thumbs up before sneaking towards the backyard. “You know, we really should’ve just gotten invited,” Molly whispered under her breath as she adjusted her oversized clown shoes, preparing to slip into character. Bill winked, “Where’s the fun in that?” Then he strolled confidently towards the bouncy castle where a group of parents congregated, chatting over cups of punch. Meanwhile, Molly hesitated outside the clown tent, taking a deep breath before bursting in with an exaggerated tumble. “Ho-ho! The backup clown has arrived!” she announced, hoping her clown voice sounded convincing. Inside, children squealed, either in delight or horror, Molly couldn’t tell. Quick on her feet, she began a clumsy juggling act, keeping the small audience distracted. Her eyes scanned for the pile of gifts she'd come for. Simultaneously, Bill had started performing the world’s most awkward card tricks, accidentally dropping cards, which only seemed to amuse the parents more. His antics increased in absurdity, pulling a seemingly endless scarf from his sleeve, entangling himself. Successfully, Molly located the stash behind a curtain of colorful streamers. As she stuffed the smaller gifts into her oversized clown pants, she kept one eye on the tent flap. It was only a matter of time before someone grew suspicious. Just as Molly was about to escape, Bill burst into the tent, tripping over a rubber duck. “Time to vanish!” he announced, louder than necessary. Together, they sprinted back across the garden, their laughter mingling with the night’s air. Behind them, the party continued, oblivious to the comedic heist that had just taken place.