Molly paced nervously in the dim light of the abandoned warehouse, her eyes darting to the door every few seconds. “Bill, are you sure this is the plan?” Bill leaned against a crooked stack of cardboard boxes, his arms crossed. “Molly, it’s foolproof. A kid’s birthday party? Who’s expecting thieves at a brightly colored fiesta?” “I just don’t feel right about it. I mean, stealing from kids? What’s next? Robbing a puppy shelter?” “Hey, don’t get all mushy on me now! It’s just presents. They’ll get over it. Trust me, they won’t even know they’re missing.” Molly sighed, kicking an empty soda can across the floor. “But it’s still—what if the parents notice? What if they have a guard dog? What if—” “Whoa, whoa! You’re thinking too much.” Bill waved his hands dismissively. “Look, here’s the plan: We dress up as clowns. No one questions clowns! They’re like the ninjas of children’s parties.” “Clowns? Really? That’s your big idea? Last time I checked, clowns were a thing of nightmares. We’ll be attacked by a mob of sugar-fueled kids!” “Exactly! And while they’re distracted, we grab the loot. Simple, right?” “Simple? You mean, you’ll look like a balloon animal gone wrong and I’ll look like I’ve juggled chainsaws?” Bill shrugged, a grin on his face. “I think you’d make a great balloon animal.” “Oh, ha-ha. Very funny.” Molly rolled her eyes, but she couldn’t suppress a smile. “Fine! But you’d better make sure to practice that funny clown laugh of yours. The last time you tried to be funny, I almost cried from embarrassment.” “Touché! But I’ve been working on it. Listen to this: Hoo-hoo-ha-ha!” Molly burst out laughing. “Oh wow, that’s... terrifying. I’ll bring a flower to spray water on you if you embarrass me!” “Perfect! It’ll make for a great distraction.” “Right, right. And then what? Run off with a sack of presents like we’re in some cartoon?” “Exactly! Who wouldn’t want to steal from a bunch of clueless kids? We’ll get a new start with all that sweet loot.” “Have you ever considered getting a real job?” “Where’s the fun in that? This is thrilling! Plus, think of the thrill of the heist. We’ll be legends!” “Legends, or clowns in an orange jumpsuit?” “That’s pessimistic!” “Just realistic,” she mumbled, biting her lip. “What about Mr. Wilson? You know he’s always around to ruin a good heist. That neighbor’s like a hawk.” “He’s probably going to be asleep on his porch, like always. Besides, that’s why we go in after cake time. His post-cake drift into a food coma should work in our favor!” “And if it doesn’t?” “Then we make a quick escape! With our amazing clown skills!” “Or, get caught and end up on the internet as laughingstocks for life.” “Okay, okay! But you have to admit, even if we get caught, we’ll have great stories to tell!” Molly threw her hands up. “Fine! But I’m wearing a rainbow wig. If I’m getting into this, I might as well do it in style.” “Now that’s the spirit! Let’s get those presents!”