“Okay, Bill, what's the plan?” Molly asked, squinting across the street at the colorful decorations. “Simple! We go in, grab the presents, and out before anyone notices,” Bill replied, adjusting his oversized sunglasses. “Right. And before the clowns turn angry and start throwing pies?” Molly shot back, crossing her arms. “Clowns? Pfft! What are they gonna do? Juggle their way to justice?” Bill chuckled, but Molly wasn’t laughing. “Bill, you know clowns are unpredictable. They have those balloon animals as lethal weapons!” she said, rolling her eyes. “Relax! It’s just a party. We’ll act like we’re supposed to be there—like hired help!” he proposed, flicking a piece of lint off his jacket. “Right! And what happens when someone asks us to bring out the cake?” she challenged, raising an eyebrow. “We say we’re on a secret mission!” Bill exclaimed, puffing out his chest with mock bravado. “Sure, because that definitely won’t raise suspicion,” Molly remarked dryly. “What kind of secret mission involves thirty stuffed teddy bears?” “Limited edition teddy bears, Molly! Limited edition! Do you have any idea what those sell for on the black market?” Bill replied, eyes sparkling with greed. “Can’t we just stick to stealing stuff that’s less… uh, creepy? Like video games or candy?” “Where’s your sense of adventure? This is a heist! We need to go big or go home!” he argued, waving his arms in the air. “Bill, this isn’t Ocean’s Eleven; it’s more like Ocean’s… whatever’s on the clearance rack.” “Don’t underestimate the power of plush! Kids love these things,” he insisted, tapping the side of his head. “Fine! But if we get caught by a bunch of seven-year-olds, I’m blaming you,” she said. “Deal! Now, how do we get in?” he asked, glancing around. “Well, there’s the back gate. If it’s unlocked, we can slip in unnoticed,” she suggested. “And if it’s locked?” Bill twisted his mouth in thought. “Then we kick it down, of course!” Molly offered with a smirk. “Are you suggesting we create a distraction?” He pointed his finger in the air dramatically. “I can distract them with my charming personality!” she teased, batting her eyelashes. “Charming? More like alarming,” Bill retorted. “We need a plan! What about balloons? Just float in and float out?” “Balloons? Bill, this isn’t a cartoon where we can just lift off the ground.” “Why not? Wouldn’t that be fun?” he laughed. “Oh yes, because there’s nothing that screams stealth quite like floating past the buffet on a big red balloon,” Molly smirked. “Don’t knock it till you try it!” Bill said, grinning. “I’m not trying anything that involves helium,” she replied, shaking her head. “Okay, okay, focus. What if we just dress up as party entertainers?” “Like clowns?” “Ugh, no! Like magicians! We’ll pull the presents out of thin air!” “Great, as long as we execute the perfect ‘vanishing act’ once we have them.” “Deal! But remember: if I end up wearing a sparkly bow tie, I’m not going to be happy.” “Life’s full of sacrifices, Molly! Time to embrace the sparkle!” “I hate this plan,” she muttered, but a small smile crept onto her lips. “Then we’re ready to sparkle and steal!” Bill declared, fist bumping the air. “Let’s just hope we don’t end up with a face full of cake. Again.” “Hey, it was tasty!” he said, shrugging. “Now let’s go!”