Molly crouched behind a bush, peering through the fence at the vibrant chaos of the birthday party. Balloons bobbed in the breeze, and a clown was attempting to juggle while a group of kids shrieked with laughter. Bill, her partner in crime, adjusted his oversized sunglasses and leaned against the fence. “Are you sure this is a good idea?” he asked, scratching his head. “I mean, it’s a kids’ party. What if they catch us?” Molly rolled her eyes. “Bill, it’s perfect! Look at all those presents! We’ll be in and out before they even notice. Besides, who’s going to suspect two thieves at a birthday party?” “Maybe the parents?” Bill replied, glancing nervously at a group of adults sipping punch. “They look like they mean business.” “Relax! We’ll just blend in. You can juggle, right?” Molly smirked, nudging him. “You’ve been practicing with those oranges.” “Those were oranges, Molly! This is a clown juggling!” He gestured at the clown, who had just dropped a rubber chicken. “I can’t compete with that!” “Okay, fine. No juggling. But we need a distraction. What about the piñata?” Molly pointed at the colorful, papier-mâché donkey hanging from a tree. Bill squinted. “You want me to smash a piñata? At a kids’ party? That’s a little… extreme, don’t you think?” “Extreme? It’s a classic distraction! Kids love piñatas! We’ll create a scene, and while they’re all busy, we grab the loot.” “Alright, but if I get tackled by a bunch of sugar-fueled six-year-olds, I’m blaming you,” Bill grumbled. “Deal! Now, let’s go over the plan one more time. You create the distraction, and I’ll grab the presents. Simple.” “Simple? You mean chaotic! You know how kids are. They’ll swarm me like bees to honey!” “Exactly! And while they’re swarming, I’ll be in and out. Easy peasy!” Molly grinned, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Okay, but what if the parents notice? They’re not just going to stand there and let us take their kids’ gifts.” “Then we improvise! You’re good at improvising, right?” She nudged him again, her enthusiasm infectious. “Sure, if by ‘improvising’ you mean running away screaming,” Bill muttered. “Come on, Bill! Think of the presents! The toys! The candy!” Molly’s eyes gleamed with excitement. “We could be rich!” “Rich in what? Gummy bears and action figures?” Bill sighed, shaking his head. “I can’t believe I’m doing this.” “Believe it! Now, on the count of three, you go for the piñata. One… two… three!” Bill took a deep breath, then sprinted toward the piñata, arms flailing. “Hey, kids! Look at me! I’m a professional piñata smasher!” Molly stifled a laugh as the kids turned, eyes wide with excitement. “Go, Bill! Go!” As he swung wildly at the piñata, Molly darted toward the table piled high with brightly wrapped gifts. “This is going to be the best heist ever!” she whispered to herself, grinning as she grabbed the first present. “Hey! What’s going on?” a parent shouted, and Molly’s heart raced. “Uh-oh,” she muttered, glancing back at Bill, who was now surrounded by a swarm of children. “Time to improvise!”