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, adjusting his black beanie, joined her, squinting at the scene. “Are you sure this is a good idea?” he whispered, his eyes darting nervously. “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 could fund our next heist with just one of those giant teddy bears.” “Yeah, but what if the kids see us? They’re like little hawks with sugar rushes. They’ll scream and alert the parents!” “Exactly! That’s why we go in stealth mode. We’ll be like ninjas. Or, you know, slightly clumsy ninjas.” “Clumsy ninjas? That’s a new one. What’s the plan, then?” Molly grinned, pulling out a crumpled map of the backyard. “We sneak in through the side gate, grab the presents, and slip out before anyone notices. Easy peasy.” “Easy peasy? You make it sound like we’re just picking up groceries. What if the clown sees us?” “Bill, the clown is too busy trying to impress those kids. Trust me, he won’t even notice us. Besides, I’ve got a distraction.” “A distraction? What kind of distraction?” Molly pulled out a small, squeaky toy shaped like a rubber chicken. “This baby will have them in stitches. I’ll toss it over there,” she pointed to a corner of the yard, “and while they’re all distracted, we make our move.” Bill raised an eyebrow. “A rubber chicken? Really? That’s your master plan?” “Hey, it’s classic! You can’t go wrong with a rubber chicken. Now, are you in or out?” He sighed, glancing back at the party. “Fine, I’m in. But if we get caught, I’m blaming you.” “Deal! Now, on the count of three. One… two…” “Wait! What if the parents are watching?” Molly groaned. “Bill, they’re busy trying to figure out how to get the frosting out of their hair. Trust me!” “Okay, okay! Three!” They dashed toward the gate, hearts racing. Molly hurled the rubber chicken into the yard, and it landed with a loud squeak. Instantly, a dozen kids turned, eyes wide with delight. “Look! A chicken!” one of them shouted, sprinting toward the toy. “Go, go, go!” Molly hissed, and they slipped through the gate, darting toward the pile of presents. “Why do I feel like we’re in a cartoon?” Bill muttered, grabbing a large box wrapped in shiny paper. “Because we are! Now help me with this one!” Molly tugged at a smaller, glittery package. “Do you think they’ll notice if we take the cake too?” Bill asked, glancing back at the table laden with sweets. “Only if you try to eat it on the way out,” Molly shot back, stuffing the last present under her arm. “Now, let’s scram before the sugar high kicks in!” As they turned to leave, the clown suddenly appeared, blocking their path. “Hey! What are you two doing?” Molly froze, eyes wide. “Uh… we’re… uh… delivering presents?” “Yeah! For the… uh… surprise party!” Bill added, his voice cracking. The clown squinted, then burst into laughter. “Nice try! But you’re not fooling anyone!” Molly and Bill exchanged panicked glances, then bolted, leaving the clown in a cloud of confusion and giggles.