Molly appeared from the house's back door, holding a toddler by the hand. She steered the child towards Bill, who was crouched beside an open window. The three faces were inches apart, lit by a single porch light. The conversation was hushed but urgent. MOLLY: Who are they? This one's called Ethan. Bill squinted, his voice tight with anticipation. He checked his watch and glanced back at the window. BILL: There's a girl, Olivia. beeline for the cake. And a twin, Theodore, he's into video games, stay away from theCommits & Molly nodded and squeezed Ethan's hand reassuringly. Molly reassuringly. The toddler began tugging at the back door, rattling it as the other children searched for the escaped birthday boy. Molly gracefully shifted Ethan's grip to her shoulder, leaving her hand free to unlock the door without a sound. Confident that the path was clear, she guided Ethan inside as Bill relayed his final instruction. BILL: And under no circumstances a single, solitary gift. No exceptions. "Sir, yes, sir," Molly saluted, maintaining the stern expression she'd almost mastered in training. She placed her hand gently on the doorframe and whispered one final instruction before pushing the child inside. All eyes turned to Bill, the anticipation palpable as whispers from the children seeped into the hall. blinking slowly in agreement, The night was young, the presents were ripe for stealing, and the stamina of mailman was just in its prime.