Molly leaned over the cluttered kitchen table, tracing the outline of a child's birthday hat with her index finger. The table was strewn with blueprints, not of vaults or museum layouts, but of a local community center. Bill, her partner-in-crime, sat across from her, sipping lukewarm tea from a chipped mug. "Bill," Molly began, her voice a mixture of excitement and trepidation, "are we really going through with this?" Bill looked up, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Of course, why not? It's not like we're stealing from a bank. Just a bunch of overprivileged kids and their wealthy parents. Haven't you seen the list of presents? We're talking the latest video game consoles, the hottest dolls, model trains, collectors' comic books..." Molly sighed, rubbing her temples. "That's not what's bothering me. It's the... theme." "The theme?" Bill chuckled, nearly spilling his tea. "Didn't you pick it? 'Under the Sea'? Colorful costumes, mermaid tails... What's not to love?" "It's just... I don't know. Feels a bit too on the nose, you know? Also, you do realize we'll be wearing 'mermaid' costumes? And not the flattering kind you see on the beach." Bill shrugged, unfazed. "I see your point, but think of it this way: who would suspect a couple of mermaids at a kid's party?" Molly snorted, dropping the blueprint to reach for a stack of polaroid photos. She flipped through them, each one a candid shot of unsuspecting toddlers and parents, oblivious to the heist about to befall them. "True, but what about the birthday girl? What if she has a gaggle of security guards hidden among the clownfish?" Bill laughed, leaning back in his chair. "Doubtful, Molls. Her name is Trixie McKringle, for heaven's sake. Her biggest threat will probably be wanting to open her presents early." Molly grimaced. "Is that her real name?" "As real as it gets in these circles. Her parents must've had a thing for Christmas and magical creatures." Molly rolled her eyes. "And adults wonder why kids these days are named after mystical beings." The front door swung open, the evening breeze carrying autumn leaves into the house. Bill shivered, pulling his cardigan tighter around his shoulders. "We better get those costumes ready. Could you handle the face paint? I've never been good at it." Molly groaned, tossing the blueprint onto the table. "Fine, but if I get one sequin in my eye, you're wearing that face paint for a week." Bill raised his hands in mock surrender. "Deal. But let's do this quick, and remember, at the party, we stick to the script. All we need is a lull in the chaos, a moment of distraction, and we strike." Molly nodded, her face serious. "Just remember, Bill, no stealing from the kids directly. We only take what's left unattended." Bill grinned, his eyes dancing with mischief. "Don't worry. We're the good guys in all of this, remember? We just happen to walk away with more loot than we came with." Molly smiled faintly. "I suppose. Just... let's try to finish before the birthday cake comes out. I'm not sure I can handle being seen twirling around in a fishtail while everyone's singing 'Happy Birthday'." Bill clapped his hands together. "Agreed. Operation 'Under the Sea' commences. Let's make this heist as smooth as a mermaid's voice and get out of there before anyone knows what hit them."