“Are you sure this is going to work, Molly?” Bill’s voice was tight with nerves. It wasn’t often someone entrusted their life savings to a giant plush giraffe, but times were tough. “Relax, will you? We’ve been over this a million times. We dress up like this,” Molly patted the head of her own disguise, a purple elephant that clashed tremendously with her hot pink hair, “Blend in, grab the loot, and get out. Simple.” “Simple for you to say,” Bill muttered, adjusting the straps of his giraffe costume. “You’re not the one who looks like they escaped from some toddler’s fever dream.” “Oh, pipe down,” Molly swatted him with a floppy elephant trunk, “Think of the haul, Bill. Dozens of ungrateful little goblins, each with a mountain of presents worth a fortune. We’ll be rich!” “Yeah, rich and publicly shamed when Mrs. Henderson posts on the neighborhood watch Facebook group about the ‘suspiciously adult-sized’ elephant and giraffe making off with her precious Tarquin’s presents.” “Mrs. Henderson puts cucumber sandwiches out for squirrels, Bill. She believes in fairies. She’ll be lucky if she remembers what day it is, let alone the great plush heist of 2023.” Molly marched towards the open doors of the community center, a wave of excited squeals washing over them. With a deep breath, she put on her best “I’m just a happy elephant” voice. “Come on, slowpoke! Let’s get this party started!” Bill trailed after her, his giraffe neck bumping awkwardly against the door frame. “This better be worth it, Molly,” he whispered, “I haven't been this uncomfortable since I tried to smuggle that dachshund out of the dog show in my pants.” Molly snorted. “Don’t remind me. Let’s just focus, okay? Remember the plan. We stick together, act natural, and avoid any overzealous five-year-olds.” “What’s natural about this?” Bill gestured his ungainly costume towards a group of children bopping along to ‘Baby Shark.’ “Just smile and wave, Bill. Smile and wave.”