Molly paced back and forth in the dimly lit garage, her eyes darting nervously between Bill and the makeshift blueprint spread across a rickety folding table. "Are you sure about this, Bill? I mean, it's a kid's birthday party, for crying out loud!" Bill leaned back in his chair, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. "Come on, Mol. Think about it. All those shiny new toys, stacks of gift cards, and who knows how much cash. It's the perfect score!" "But they're children," Molly protested, her voice wavering. "Shouldn't we stick to banks or jewelry stores like normal thieves?" "Normal thieves? Is that what you think we are?" Bill scoffed. "We're innovators, Molly. Trailblazers in the world of thievery!" Molly rolled her eyes. "Trailblazers? More like desperate losers if you ask me." "Hey now, don't sell us short," Bill said, standing up and pointing to the blueprint. "Look at this plan. It's foolproof!" "Foolproof? Bill, your plan involves us dressing up as clowns and infiltrating the party!" "Exactly! No one suspects the clowns, Molly. We'll blend right in!" Molly pinched the bridge of her nose, exhaling slowly. "And how exactly do you propose we get all the presents out without anyone noticing?" Bill's eyes lit up. "I'm glad you asked! See, that's where the magic comes in." "Magic? Oh god, Bill. Please tell me you're not serious." "Dead serious, Mol. We'll do a disappearing act with the gifts. Classic misdirection!" Molly threw her hands up in exasperation. "We're not magicians, Bill! We can barely pull off being thieves!" "Speak for yourself," Bill huffed. "I'll have you know I've been practicing card tricks for weeks." "Oh, well that changes everything," Molly said sarcastically. "I'm sure your ability to find the ace of spades will really come in handy when we're surrounded by sugar-crazed six-year-olds." Bill waved her off. "Details, details. The point is, we go in, we entertain, we grab the loot, and we're out before anyone realizes what happened." "And what about the kids, Bill? How are we supposed to face those sad little faces when they realize all their presents are gone?" "Simple. We leave them each a balloon animal. It's the perfect crime!" Molly stared at him in disbelief. "A balloon animal? That's your solution?" "Hey, those things are harder to make than they look. It's a valuable skill!" "I can't believe I'm even considering this," Molly groaned. "What's next? Robbing the tooth fairy?" Bill's eyes widened. "Now there's an idea! Think of all those quarters under pillows across the city!" "Bill, focus! We're talking about the birthday party here." "Right, right. Sorry, got carried away. So, are you in or out, Mol?" Molly sighed heavily, looking from the blueprint to Bill's eager face. "I must be out of my mind, but... fine. I'm in. But if this goes south, I'm blaming you entirely." "That's the spirit!" Bill exclaimed, clapping his hands together. "Now, let's practice our clown makeup. We've got to look the part if we're going to pull this off." As Bill rummaged through a box of garish face paints, Molly couldn't help but wonder how her life had come to this point. Stealing from children while dressed as a clown. It was official: she had hit rock bottom.