“Okay, Bill, we have to be smart about this,” Molly said, pulling out a crumpled map of the neighborhood. “Smart? You mean like using an actual plan instead of ‘winging it’?” Bill replied, his arms crossed. “Hey, winging it got us into the last party without anyone noticing,” Molly shot back, a smirk on her face. “Besides, who could resist our irresistible charm?” “You mean your irresistible charm. I’m more like ‘the guy who trips over the welcome mat.’” “Fine, but you’ll have to trip over the welcome mat stealthily. It’s a kids’ party, Bill. We go in, grab the presents, and get out before anyone knows we’re there.” “Right, right. We’re basically Robin Hood... except without the giving part,” Bill said, chuckling. “What’s the deal with the costumes, though?” Molly rolled her eyes, “We’re not wearing costumes. We can’t have any added bulk—this is all about speed and agility.” “Right. Because being dressed like ordinary adults is totally inconspicuous. Just two regular folks sneaking into a bunch of sugar-fueled children.” “It makes sense! You’re overthinking. Just bring a backpack and act natural.” “Act natural? I can barely walk without tripping! How does one ‘act natural’ at a kids’ party? Does it involve balloon animals?” “Stop! Yeah, no balloon animals. We’ll just blend in. If anyone asks, we’re the ‘cool relatives.’ Family is a universal passcode.” “Cool relatives? No one is going to believe we’re related. I could pass for your uncle from Mars, maybe.” “Embrace it! This party should have ‘funny uncle’ written all over it. Now, what’s on the agenda? We grab the toy pile—” “—Then, the cake? We can’t just leave the cake! I’m actually planning on stealing a piece for myself.” “Bill, focus! The objective is the presents—not the frosting.” “Wait, wait. What about the birthday kid?” “Uh, the birthday kid is not our concern. It’s a party; they’ll live. We go in there and give ourselves like five minutes.” “Five minutes? Isn’t that a bit... ambitious? What if we get stuck in the ‘Happy Birthday’ song loop?” “Then we hum along! It’s all about confidence.” “And if a parent catches us?” “Just use charm. Tell them you’re in charge of ‘present quality control.’” “Right, ‘Charmer of the Presents.’ I can totally pull that off. Or they might just think I’m ‘Creepy Bill the Present Stealer.’” “Fine! How about this? If anyone asks, I’ll handle it. I’ll be all bubbly while you just scowl in the corner. They’ll think you’re serious about ‘quality control.’” “Those kids are going to be sugar high! How serious can I look when someone offers me gummy bears?” “I’ll toss you a bag! Focus, Bill! Operation ‘Present Party’ starts in five—” “Five? You’re not serious!” “Mmmm, okay, how about four? Less time for you to calculate your cartoonishly terrible acting skills.” “Four minutes, huh? Alright, I can be ‘Creepy Bill’ for four minutes. Just don’t laugh when I fall into the punch bowl.” “I wouldn’t dream of it. Let’s go! Present hoarders unite!” “Onward, then, to glory or dairy punch!”