Molly crouched behind the shrubbery, eyes darting around the brightly lit backyard where balloons bobbed and children’s laughter echoed through the night. She adjusted her mask and whispered, “Bill, do you really think this is going to work? Stealing presents from a kid’s party? Those kids are like little ninja detectives.” Bill grinned, rubbing his hands together. “Come on, Molly. Think of the loot! Toys, games, everything shiny and new. It’s practically begging to be stolen. Plus, how often do you get a chance to sneak into a party without getting caught?” Molly rolled her eyes. “Yeah, if you don’t get caught, that is. Last time you snuck into the bakery, you tripped over a tray of cupcakes and set off the fire alarm. The fire brigade showed up thinking it was a real emergency.” Bill chuckled, leaning closer. “That was a tactical error, not a failure of planning. Besides, I’ve upgraded our plan. No more cupcake trips—this time, we’re professionals.” She scoffed. “Professionals who get caught. Remember, we’re supposed to be ghosting the scene, not starting a fireworks show.” Bill looked at her skeptically. “Hey, I’ve got a plan, alright? We slip in through the back gate, avoid the security cameras, grab the presents, and vanish faster than a kid on sugar. Easy peasy.” He pulled out a crumpled piece of paper from his pocket. “See? I drew us a map with the best route. This is foolproof.” Molly scoffed, peering over his shoulder. “That map looks like it was drawn by a toddler. Where’s the secret tunnel you promised?” “Very funny,” Bill snorted. “But I’ve got an idea. We dress up as one of the entertainers. You know, like a clown or a magician. No one’s gonna suspect the entertainers, right?” She grimaced. “You want me to wear face paint and a wig? No way. Last time, I looked like a smushed cupcake. Besides, I don’t do clown makeup. It’s creepy.” Bill grinned mischievously. “Come on, Molly. Think of the chaos. Children screaming, the parents confused—perfect cover.” “You’re impossible,” she said, crossing her arms. “What about the presents? How do we know which ones to grab?” Bill dug into his pocket again and pulled out a small magnifying glass. “The best ones are right under the birthday girl’s nose—literally. I spotted a giant gift bag labeled ‘From the Amazon Fairy.’ That’s gotta be worth the risk.” Molly sighed dramatically. “Fine, but if we get caught, I’m blaming you. And I want my cut of the loot.” Bill grinned. “Half, obviously. Do you think I’d leave all the fun to you?” She rolled her eyes again. “Just stick to the plan. We sneak in, grab the presents, and get out. No heroics, no shouting, no getting caught. Got it?” “Got it,” Bill agreed gladly. “Now, let’s do this before the cake gets cut, and every kid swarms the punch bowl. I’ve got the van stashed around the corner—ready when you are.” Molly took a deep breath, steadying her nerves. “Alright, let’s do it. Like sneaky shadows in the night. Or, more accurately, like two enormous goofs with sneaky plans.” Bill chuckled. “Hey, if anyone asks, we’re just some harmless party guests looking for leftover pizza.” She shot him a glare. “I’ll pretend I didn’t hear that. Let’s move.” Together, they slunk from their hiding spot, eager and nervous, eyeing the glowing party behind the fence, ready to unleash their comedic chaos on a bunch of unsuspecting kids’ birthday bash.