Molly and Bill sat huddled in the back of their nondescript white van, poring over a hand-drawn map of the children's party venue. The sweet smell of cotton candy and the joyful screams of playing kids wafted through the open windows, taunting them. "I still think this is a terrible idea," Molly said, her curly red hair bouncing as she shook her head. "Stealing presents from a children's party? It's like we're the real-life Grinch and Scrooge rolled into one." Bill scoffed, his skinny frame quivering with excitement. "Don't be such a softy, Mol. This is a prime opportunity! Rich parents, distracted by their sugared-up progeny, and a literal room filled with unguarded gifts. It's like Christmas came early!" Molly sighed, knowing that once Bill had his mind set on a heist, there was no changing it. "Fine, but how do you propose we get inside without raising suspicion? We can't exactly blend in with the clown and the magician." A sly grin spread across Bill's face. "Leave that to me, my dear partner in crime. I've got a disguise that will make us invisible to all the parents and children alike." He rummaged through a duffel bag, pulling out two ridiculous-looking costumes. "Ta-da! Meet our new alter egos: the Happy Hippos!" Molly's eyes widened in horror at the sight of the bulbous, furry hippo suits. "You've got to be kidding me. I've had some questionable getups in my time, but this is a new low, Bill." "No time for fashion critiques, princess. We've got a heist to pull off and a limited window of opportunity. Now, put on the suit and follow my lead." Grunumbling under her breath, Molly wriggled into the unflattering hippo costume. Bill did the same, and soon, two fully-grown adults were stuffed into cartoonish animal suits, their human forms concealed beneath the thick, itchy fabric. "Okay, here's the plan," Bill said, his voice muffled beneath the hippo head. "We enter the party, make our way to the gift table under the guise of entertaining the kids, and start stuffing presents into our suits. We'll meet back at the van in 10 minutes, tops." Molly nodded, too annoyed to formulate a response. As they approached the entrance, a bouncer frowned at their odd appearance. "Invitations?" Bill launched into a convincing spiel. "We're the Happy Hippos, the entertainment for the party. We bring joy and laughter to children of all ages! Our presence has been requested by the birthday girl herself, little Lily." The bouncer, unamused, checked his list. "I don't see any Happy Hippos on here." "Just look under 'entertainment,'" Bill urged, his hippo head bobbing insistently. After a moment's hesitation, the bouncer shrugged. "Fine, but stay away from the cake." Molly and Bill exchanged a triumphant glance beneath their hippo guises. Silently, they waddled into the party, drawing the attention of a horde of excited children. "You're supposed to be a mime!" Molly hissed at Bill as he began juggling pins. A smile on his face, Bill shrugged and continued his act. Molly rolled her eyes and began her own improvised performance, hopping around on one foot to the delighted laughter of the kids. But as they worked their way closer to the gift table, Bill's eyes widened in panic. Molly's heart nearly stopped as she saw the cause of his distress. A pack of snarling, vicious-looking dogs had caught their scent and were headed straight for the Happy Hippos.