“Alright, Bill, this is the plan,” Molly began, her eyes darting around the dimly lit room. “We sneak into little Timmy’s birthday bash and grab the loot—easy peasy.” “Right, easy peasy,” Bill echoed, scratching his head. “But have you seen those balloons? They're like sentinels. One wrong move and… boom! Party poppers everywhere!” “Stop being dramatic. It’s just a bunch of sugar-fueled rug rats,” Molly replied, waving her hand dismissively. “They’ll be too busy swarming the cake to notice us.” “You’re right—sugar does make them delirious. But what if one of them catches us? Kids are like little ninjas. You’ve seen how they pounce for candy, right?” Bill gulped. Molly rolled her eyes. “We’ll dress up. Face paint, maybe? ‘Look, Mom, we’re just some weird clowns!’ They’ll never suspect a thing.” “Yeah, because who wouldn’t want to steal from clowns?” Bill grinned but then frowned. “What if they have a pet? It could bite our ankles.” “Always the worst-case scenario, aren’t you?” she teased. “We’ll just throw some candy. Kids follow candy, and pets follow kids.” “I’m not getting bitten, Molly,” he said, crossing his arms. “A little ankle biter could ruin our entire heist.” “Fine! We’ll add dog treats to the list. Just relax. We go in, grab the gifts, and get out before they even hit the birthday song.” “Speaking of gifts, you sure we’re taking the right ones? I don’t want to be left with a ton of stuffed giraffes or board games.” “Anything in shiny wrappers. We’re not collecting souvenirs here, Bill. We’re making a haul!” Molly said, tucking her hair behind her ear. “Right, right, shiny things,” he said slowly. “But we’ll need a getaway plan. What if the clown police show up? They have those, you know.” “Clown police? Is that a thing?” “Who’s to say?” he countered, smirking. “But knowing our luck, it would be. We’ll need the getaway...uh, what’s it called? The car!” “Bill, we’ve been driving around in your old hatchback for months. It’s practically a death trap at this point.” “Hey, it’s a classic!” he protested. “Nothing screams getaway vehicle like a vintage hatchback that wheezes louder than an old man.” “That’s not the point! We need something sleek, something they won’t see coming.” “What, like a unicycle?” “Very funny. I was thinking more along the lines of a dark van or—” “Can’t we just use a bike? You know, for the stealth factor?” “Are you joking?” “I’m just saying, tighter, leaner, quicker!” “Bill, we’re not stealing presents on a bicycle. This is serious business!” “Fine, fine. But if we get busted, I’m blaming the unicycle plan.” “Deal! Now, let’s discuss the actual heist… where there’ll be cake and balloons and—” “And a million pairs of tiny eyes watching!” Bill interjected. “I have to keep my eyes on the prize!” “Which is what? Five dozen stuffed animals? Trust me, Bill, it’ll be worth it.” “Alright, I’m in. But you owe me a cupcake if we make it out alive!” “Only if you promise not to trip over your own feet.” “No promises!” “We’re doomed,” Molly sighed, as they both burst into laughter.