Molly leaned against the wall of the alley, her arms crossed, a mischievous grin plastered on her face. “So, Bill, you ready for the heist of the century?” Bill scratched his head, glancing at the brightly colored balloons bobbing in the breeze. “You mean the heist of the century involving a bunch of stuffed animals and glittery wrapping paper?” “Exactly! Think of the loot! We’ll be rolling in toys!” Molly’s eyes sparkled with excitement. “Right, because nothing says ‘riches’ like a pile of plush unicorns,” Bill replied, rolling his eyes. “What’s the plan, then? Sneak in through the back?” “Of course! We’ll blend in with the kids. I’ve got a wig and a party hat. You just need to act like a five-year-old.” “Me? Act like a five-year-old? That’s a stretch, even for me.” Bill chuckled. “What if they catch us?” “Catch us? Please! We’ll be the life of the party! Just think of it as… undercover work.” “Undercover work? More like undercooked ideas. What if they have a bouncy castle? I can’t bounce like a kid anymore!” Molly waved her hand dismissively. “You’ll bounce! Just channel your inner child. Remember when we used to steal candy from the corner store?” “Yeah, and we got caught! I still have nightmares about that old lady with the rolling pin.” “Focus, Bill! This is different. We’re professionals now. We’ve got skills!” “Skills? Like the skill of getting caught? Because I’m pretty sure I’m a pro at that.” “Stop being such a wuss! We’ll be in and out before they even realize their presents are gone. Just think of the toys!” “Okay, okay! But if we get caught, I’m blaming you. I’m not going to prison for a teddy bear.” “Deal! Now, what’s your role? You’re the distraction.” “Me? Why do I always get the short end of the stick? Can’t you distract them?” “Because I’m the mastermind! You’re the… charming rogue!” “Charming rogue? I’m more like a clumsy raccoon. What’s my distraction plan?” “Just start singing ‘Happy Birthday’ really loudly. Kids love that!” “Right, because nothing screams ‘party crasher’ like a grown man belting out birthday songs.” “Exactly! And while they’re distracted, I’ll grab the loot. It’s foolproof!” “Foolproof? More like foolhardy. What if the parents hear me?” “Then you improvise! Start doing the chicken dance or something!” “The chicken dance? You want me to do the chicken dance? I’m not a clown, Molly!” “Just think of it as a performance art piece! You’ll be the star of the show!” “Star of the show? More like the star of the police lineup. I can see it now: ‘Wanted: Man in a chicken suit.’” “Stop whining! It’ll be fun! And if we pull this off, we’ll have enough toys to last a lifetime!” “Or enough toys to get us arrested for life. But fine, I’ll do it. Just promise me one thing.” “What’s that?” “Next time, we’re robbing a bank. At least they have real money.” Molly laughed, clapping her hands. “Deal! But first, let’s get those presents!”