Molly and Bill huddled in the cramped supply closet of the Chuck E. Cheese, their faces dimly lit by the flashlight app on Bill’s phone. The squeals and laughter of children reverberated through the thin walls. Molly rubbed her temples. “Okay, Bill, let’s go over this one more time. What’s the plan?” “Oh, right,” Bill said, rummaging through his pockets and pulling out a crumpled napkin covered in scribbles. “First, we wait until they start the sing-along.” Molly nodded, glancing skeptically at the napkin. “And how do we know when that is?” “They always do it at 2 PM sharp,” Bill replied, tapping his watch. “Which, by the way, we’ve gotta synchronize. What time do you have?” Molly checked her watch. “1:55. Five minutes to showtime. What next?” “Right, so, we blend in with the crowd. I’ll put on the mouse costume I found in the break room, and you—well, you look like you belong here with that face paint.” Molly glared. “I told you, that kid ambushed me with a marker. It’s not my fault I look like a deranged clown.” Bill snickered. “Perfect cover, though! No one’s gonna suspect a thing. Anyway, while I distract the kids, you grab the presents and stash them in this empty pizza box.” Molly picked up the box, inspecting it. “A pizza box, really?” “Trust me, no one questions a guy carrying pizza around in a place like this.” “If you say so. And what if someone catches on?” Bill shrugged. “We improvise. Say we’re delivering a special birthday surprise or something. These places are chaotic; no one questions anything.” Molly rolled her eyes. “Fine. But what about security?” Bill scratched his head. “Well, you see, that’s where my cousin Jerry comes in. He’s the guy in the security booth today.” Molly’s eyes widened. “You didn’t tell me you had an inside man! That changes everything.” Bill grinned. “Yeah, well, Jerry owes me a favor. Just had to remind him of that time I got his cat out of the tree.” “Alright, so after we’ve got the presents, what’s the exit strategy?” “Back door in the kitchen,” Bill said, pointing to the map he's drawn on the napkin. “Less crowded, and it’s easier to dodge the cameras.” Molly took a deep breath. “Alright, let’s do this. I just hope your cousin doesn’t double-cross us.” “Relax, Jerry’s as straight as they come. Plus, he hates kids almost as much as I do.” Molly smirked. “Well, that’s reassuring. Okay, it’s almost time. Let’s move.” They slipped out of the supply closet, Molly blending in among the face-painted children, while Bill disappeared into the back room. A few moments later, he reemerged in the oversized, slightly moth-eaten Chuck E. Cheese costume. “Okay, party people!” Bill announced, his voice muffled by the furry head. “It’s sing-along time!” Children flocked to him, leaving the gift table momentarily unattended. Molly seized the opportunity, swiftly gathering presents and stuffing them into the pizza box. She moved with practiced precision, like a thief in a toy store. “Hey, what’s going on over there?” a suspicious parent called out, spotting Molly. Thinking quickly, Molly hoisted up the box. “Special delivery! Extra cheese, hold the rats!” The parent blinked, confused but satisfied, and wandered away. Molly scurried to the kitchen, finding Bill waiting at the back door. “Let’s go, let’s go!” she whispered urgently. “Right behind you!” Bill replied, holding the door open. As they slipped out and vanished into the parking lot, Bill removed the mouse head, grinning from ear to ear. “Operation Chuck E. Steal complete,” he said, a gleeful twinkle in his eye. Molly couldn’t help but laugh. “Who knew pulling off the perfect heist would be this cheesy?”