Molly and Bill crouched behind a hedge, peering at the house across the street. Lights twinkled from the windows, and the sound of children's laughter spilled into the night. "This is the place," whispered Molly, her eyes gleaming with mischief. "The birthday party of the year." "Are you sure this is a good idea, Mol?" Bill asked, scratching his head. "I mean, stealing from kids?" "Relax, Bill. These are rich kids. They've got more presents than they know what to do with. Think of it as... redistributing the wealth." Bill sighed, rubbing his temples. "Okay, but how do we even get in? There are parents everywhere." Molly grinned, pulling a bag of party hats and noisemakers from behind her back. "We blend in. We become the life of the party." "You're serious?" Bill's eyes widened as he stared at the colorful assortment. "Deadly." Molly put on a party hat and handed one to Bill. "Put it on. And try to look like you're having fun." Bill groaned but complied, adjusting the hat on his head. "This better be worth it." "Trust me." Molly adjusted her hat, her eyes scanning the area. "Now, follow my lead." They strolled across the street, their strides confident. As they approached the front door, Molly let out a loud, "Woohoo! Who's ready to party?" A harried-looking mother opened the door, her eyes widening at the sight of the two adults in party hats. "Can I help you?" "We're here for the party!" Molly exclaimed, shoving a noisemaker in her mouth and blowing it with gusto. The mother blinked, confused. "I'm sorry, but this is a private event." "Nonsense!" Molly waved her hand dismissively. "Everyone's invited! Right, Bill?" Bill forced a smile, nodding enthusiastically. "Right! The more, the merrier!" The mother hesitated, glancing back at the bustling party. The sound of children's laughter grew louder as a balloon floated out the door. "Well, I guess one more can't hurt..." "Great!" Molly clapped her hands, pushing past the mother and dragging Bill inside. "Let's get this party started!" Inside, the house was a whirlwind of activity. Children ran around with plates of cake, and parents chatted in clusters, oblivious to the newcomers. Molly nudged Bill, pointing to the back of the room where a giant pile of presents sat under a banner that read, "Happy Birthday, Emma!" "There they are," Molly said, her voice low. "Grab as many as you can, and meet me by the garden door in five minutes." Bill swallowed hard, nodding. "Five minutes. Got it." They split up, Molly weaving through the crowd, laughing and dancing with the children to blend in. Bill, on the other hand, awkwardly shuffled towards the presents, trying to look inconspicuous. As Bill reached the mountain of gifts, he felt a tug on his sleeve. He turned to find a little girl staring up at him with wide eyes. "Hi there," he said, his voice nervously high-pitched. "Having fun?" "Are you the magician?" the girl asked, her eyes filled with wonder. "Uh, yeah," Bill improvised, sweating. "The, um, the magician. Yes." "Do a trick!" she demanded, clapping her hands. Bill's mind raced. He glanced around, spotting a deck of cards on a nearby table. "Alright, pick a card, any card," he said, shuffling the deck with fumbling fingers. As the girl chose a card, Molly appeared beside him, her arms full of presents. "Time to go, Bill," she hissed, grabbing his arm. "But the trick!" the girl protested. "Another time, sweetie," Molly said, dragging Bill away. "The magician has other shows to do!" They reached the garden door, slipping outside into the cool night air.