Molly and Bill crouched behind a large inflatable unicorn in the front yard of a suburban home, peeking through the decorations that were far too cheerful for their line of work. Balloons bobbed in the gentle breeze, and a clamor of giggles and squeals echoed from the backyard, where the children were oblivious to the impending heist. “Are you sure this is going to work?” Bill whispered, adjusting his mask. The mask had failed to cover his face properly, leaving an awkward gap at his chin. Molly rolled her eyes, peering out at the festivities. “Of course it’s going to work! There’s a whole pile of gifts just waiting for us to snag them. Just think, Bill—checks, toys, probably a PlayStation in there!” “Yeah, but what if we get caught? I mean, it’s a kid's party! What if one of them sees us?” Bill’s voice was rising like an out-of-tune violin. “They're too busy with cake and games to care about us! Plus, who would suspect two thieves in masks? It’s like sneaking into a candy store—except the candy’s wrapped in shiny paper with ribbons.” Molly grinned, her enthusiasm infectious. “I think I’d prefer to sneak into a candy store, actually,” Bill muttered, eyeing a group of kids chasing a piñata. “They probably won’t shove me in time out for that.” “Oh, come on!” Molly said, nudging him. “Just focus on the loot. Look at those gifts! We can be in and out before they finish the piñata!” Bill squinted at the pile. “You think anyone’s gonna miss a kiddie pool with the little inflatable llamas? Or that truck that probably costs more than my car?” “Exactly! It’s kid stuff! Their parents will replace it by next week, and we’ll have a sweet haul!” Molly was practically bubbling with excitement. Bill sighed. “Alright, but you lead, and if we get caught, I’m blaming it on you.” “Deal!” Molly grabbed his arm, ready to move. “On three. One, two—” “What about the parents? They’re going to notice gifts missing!” Bill interjected. “Won’t they report it or something?” Molly waved a hand dismissively. “Have you ever met a parent at a kids' party? They’re all downstairs pouring juice and gossiping. They won’t even know we’re there until a kid walks back up looking for his new toy.” “Okay, fine. But if I spend the night in jail, I'm signing you up for a lifetime of babysitting.” Molly snorted. “I will find a way to escape; you know that. I’m not babysitting even a single toddler!” “Right,” Bill chuckled, the tension easing, “because that’s the rogue lifestyle right there.” “Exactly! Now, on three?” “Let’s do it. One—” “Wait!” “What now?” Molly pointed toward the backyard. “Look! Is that a big stuffed bear we could fit under our arms? We could be the Robin Hoods of bad gifts!” “More like the Grinches of poor parenting,” Bill quipped. “Close enough! Let’s go!” With one last glance at the chaotic party, Molly and Bill dashed toward the pile of presents, adrenaline and laughter propelling them forward.