“Bill, did you bring the blueprints?” “Blueprints? Molly, it’s a toddler’s birthday-party-at-Jumpy-Jungle. I drew a diagram on a napkin. Look—bouncy castle here, cake table here, present mountain here, crying zone over there.” “That’s a Capri Sun stain, not a bouncy castle.” “Interpretive, Molly. Now focus! We sneak in, grab the gifts, and get out before the sugar rush hits, right?” “Not so fast. Have you ever tried stealing from kids? They’re like tiny velociraptors. One wrong move and there’s a swarm. Remember the Halloween fiasco?” “That wasn’t my fault. You told me the vampire was fake.” “She was! Until she bit you. OK, so, access. You’ll distract the parents with your—how do I say this?—utter lack of shame?” “Bold of you to assume I have shame. But yes! I can do balloon animals. Trust me, nothing derails a grown-up conversation faster than someone twisting latex into a questionable swan.” “Perfect. You’re up front. I’ll mingle with the kids. Blend in. Maybe wear pigtails.” “Molly, you’re five-seven and look like you pay taxes.” “Fine. I’ll crouch. Now, the presents are under the ‘Gift Mountain’ banner. How do I get them out?” “With subtlety. You dump them in the cake trolley while everyone’s distracted by my, uh, balloon sword dance.” “Are you certified in handling balloon weaponry?” “I once made a size-14 balloon shoe. Didn’t even pop. I’m overqualified.” “But what if a parent gets suspicious?” “Use kid logic. Tell them you’re the Present Fairy. Or Cousin Shelly.” “Great, so if anyone asks—I’m Cousin Shelly. Maybe I’ll fake a limp. More believable.” “What about the cake? There’s a double-layer Black Forest stashed right beside the presents. If you tip it over, we’re finished.” “Noted. I’ll avoid all baked goods. Bill, do you remember why we’re doing this?” “Because toy inflation is real and you said ‘thieving from toddlers is easy.’” “I meant theoretically! Last week’s spree at the senior center was supposed to be easy too.” “No more arm-wrestling retirees, you promised. But this is different. No one expects a children’s party heist.” “We’ll be legends. Probably banned from every P.T.A. in a tri-county radius.” “Dream big, Molly. Now, what’s our signal if things go sideways?” “Honk the party blower thrice. If you’re really in trouble, scream, ‘THE PINATA IS ALIVE!’” “Do I get to eat any cake first?” “Is cake more important than the mission?” “Sometimes, yes.” “Focus. Go make balloons. I’ll scout the presents. You count the exits with your—questionable napkin map.” “Roger. If I don’t make it, tell my goldfish I loved him.” “I’ll steal him a gift. Ready?” “Ready. After you, ‘Cousin Shelly.’ Keep your eyes on the prize, and your hands out of the cupcake tray.” “No promises, Bill. No promises.”