Molly squinted through the hedge, clutching the world’s stickiest glitter bomb. Across the yard, unicorns danced on napkins and cake toppers. Seven children, faces smeared with frosting, circled a tower of neon-wrapped presents atop a rickety picnic table. The air shimmered with the shrieks and giggles of sugar-fueled anarchy. “Bill, did you bring the decoy piñata?” Molly whispered, eyes never leaving her targets. Bill’s hoodie bristled as he produced a giant papier-mâché dragon. “Obviously. It’s stuffed with kale.” Molly grinned. “Your genius astounds me.” The sound of a balloon popping made Bill flinch. “We go in during Duck, Duck, Goose. Kids are distracted then. Follow my lead.” As a harried mother herded the kids into a squawking circle, Molly and Bill darted forward, the dragon wobbling precariously between them. Molly twisted the glitter bomb’s fuse, confidence blooming. Bill hissed, “Left, left! That kid’s looking suspicious.” “Relax,” Molly replied, sliding behind a stack of juice boxes. “I blend in. I was almost a birthday clown once.” A small hand tugged Molly’s sleeve. “Are you the magician?” Molly smiled. “Kid, you have no idea.” The real fun, she thought, was one birthday wish away.