Molly crouched behind a row of bushes, eyeing the brightly colored balloons and waving kids in party hats. She looked over at Bill, who was adjusting his oversized neon pink sunglasses despite the fading daylight. “Are you serious about this, Bill? Stealing from a bunch of four-year-olds? That’s just… cruel,” Molly whispered, a smirk tugging at her lips. Bill grinned. “Cruel? No, Molly. It’s *brilliant*. Think about it—pink shiny wrapping paper everywhere, loads of toys, and no one will suspect a thing. Plus, the kids will love it. Or hate me, but that’s beside the point.” Molly rolled her eyes. “No one loves a thief, Bill.” He shrugged. “They will today. We just need to pull off the perfect heist, and then we’re golden.” Molly pointed to the small white tent set up near the garden fence. “The presents are inside there. Looks like they’re just stacking them up. What’s the plan?” Bill stepped into the open, pretending to tie his shoelace. "First, we need to distract the adults. I suggest I go in, maybe as a clown. You know, big red nose, floppy shoes, the works. No one will trust him near the presents." “Sure,” Molly said dryly. “Because nothing screams 'sneaky' like a clown. You’re worse than a banana peel on a hardwood floor.” Bill chuckled. “Hey, I’ve been practicing my balloon animals. I can make a poodle in ten seconds flat. Kids will be mesmerized, while I swipe the loot.” Molly shook her head. “You’re ridiculous. What about me?” “Easy,” Bill said with a wink. “You’ll be our lookout. Keep an eye out for the party mom—Mrs. Henderson. She’s the one with the neon-green hat. She’s always the one fussing about ‘decorations’ and ‘safety.’” Molly nodded. “Got it. I’ll keep her busy. And then?” “While she’s distracted, I’ll sneak into the tent, grab the biggest, shiniest presents—stuffed animals, remote control cars, that new dollhouse—and toss them in this giant sack I brought.” Bill held up a burlap bag with a mischievous grin. “And how are you getting us out of there?” Molly asked, crossing her arms. Bill wiggled his eyebrows. “Simple. Once I’ve got the goods, I’ll climb into the snack table, disguise myself as the leftover lemon Jell-O. Everyone will be too busy munching to notice us slipping away.” “Lemon Jell-O?” Molly echoed. “That’s disgusting.” “Exactly,” Bill said. “Distraction. Plus, I can freeze myself into the Jell-O. It’s foolproof.” Molly leaned closer, lowering her voice. “And what about the cake?” Bill pointed dramatically. “Cake? That’s just a bonus. If we play it right, we’ll be out before anyone even notices we’re gone. No one expects the lemon Jell-O thief.” Molly sighed. “You really have this all worked out, huh?” “Of course. That’s why I’m the mastermind.” Bill grinned. “Now, let’s move. Time’s ticking, and I want my share of the loot before bedtime.” Molly hesitated, then shrugged. “Alright, but if we get caught, I’m blaming you for this whole ridiculous plan.” Bill chuckled. “To the greatest heist ever—children’s presents style!” They hurried toward the side gate, Bill adjusting his sunglasses once more, ready to don his clown persona. Molly pulled out a flashlight, peering around cautiously as the party’s joyful noise drifted toward them. Their plan was simple. Well, as simple as a children’s party-themed secret heist could be. But between Bill’s goofy antics and Molly’s cautious eye, they just might pull it off.