“Okay, Bill, are you sure this is the plan?” Molly whispered, peering through the bushes at the brightly colored balloons bobbing in the breeze. “Absolutely, Molly! It’s foolproof!” Bill replied, adjusting his ski mask. “I mean, who would suspect two thieves at a kid’s birthday party?” “Probably because we’re not kids, Bill. We’re two grown adults in a bush.” “Details, details! Focus on the prize! Look at all those presents!” He pointed dramatically, nearly knocking over a garden gnome. “Right, but what if we get caught? I don’t want to end up on the news as ‘The Birthday Bandits.’” “Relax! We’ll be in and out before anyone even notices. Just like ninjas!” “Ninjas? You do realize ninjas don’t wear ski masks in the summer, right?” “Fine! I’ll take it off. But I’m still wearing the black gloves. They’re part of the look!” “Sure, Bill. Because nothing screams ‘stealth’ like a guy in black gloves at a children’s party.” “Hey, it’s all about the presentation! Now, here’s the plan: we wait until they start singing ‘Happy Birthday.’ That’s when everyone will be distracted.” “Right, and then what? We just waltz in and grab the gifts?” “Exactly! We’ll be like Santa, but with less jolliness and more… thievery.” “Great. So we’re basically the anti-Santas. What’s next? Do we leave a note saying ‘Thanks for the loot!’?” “Now you’re getting it! But let’s keep it simple. Just a little ‘Merry Christmas’ will do.” “Merry Christmas? Bill, it’s July!” “Details, details! You’re overthinking this. Just think of the toys! The video games! The… the… stuffed unicorns!” “Okay, I’m in. But what if there are parents? They can’t be that oblivious.” “Parents? Pfft! They’ll be too busy trying to figure out how to assemble the giant inflatable slide. Trust me, they won’t even notice us.” “Right, because nothing says ‘stealth’ like a giant inflatable slide.” “Exactly! It’s the perfect distraction. Now, let’s go over the exit strategy.” “Exit strategy? You mean the part where we run like crazy with a bunch of toys?” “Precisely! We’ll make a break for it through the back gate. It’s always unlocked during parties.” “Always? That sounds suspiciously convenient.” “Hey, it’s a kid’s party! They’re not worried about thieves; they’re worried about cake!” “Cake? Now you’re talking my language. But what if we trip over a kid?” “Then we’ll just apologize and keep running! ‘Sorry, little Timmy! We’re just borrowing your presents!’” “Right, because that’ll go over well. ‘Hey, kid, we’re not stealing; we’re just borrowing indefinitely!’” “Exactly! You’re catching on! Now, are you ready?” “Ready? I’m terrified! But let’s do this. For the toys!” “For the toys!” Bill echoed, pumping his fist in the air. “Okay, on three. One… two…” “Wait! What if they have a dog?” “A dog? You didn’t mention a dog!” “Yeah, what if it’s a big one? Like a Rottweiler or something?” “Then we’ll just have to distract it! Throw a cupcake or something!” “Cupcake? You think I’m carrying cupcakes in my pockets?” “Fine! We’ll improvise! Now, on three!” “Okay, okay! One… two… three!” “Let’s go steal some presents!”