Molly crouched behind a row of thorny bushes, adjusting the ridiculous pink bunny ears perched atop her head. She cast a sideways glance at Bill, who was doing his best to blend in by wearing a superhero cape two sizes too small and holding what looked suspiciously like a half-deflated balloon sword. “We look ridiculous,” Bill muttered, squinting at the inflatable weapon. “Are you sure this is the best way to sneak into a party?” “Trust me,” Molly whispered, “nothing says ‘expert thieves’ like a rabbit and a wannabe Batman. No one suspects the costumes.” She glanced nervously toward the house where the party was in full swing. The sound of children laughing and shrill birthday songs floated on the summer evening air. Bill shifted awkwardly, his cape snagging on a twig. “Okay, so we’ve got the distraction covered, but what’s the plan for the loot? You think they keep the presents in the living room?” “From my reconnaissance,” Molly said, “the gifts are piled under that enormous pink elephant balloon by the window. Easy target. Just gotta get in, grab ‘em, and get out—no fuss.” With a dramatic cheer, Bill raised his balloon sword and whispered, “To glory, then. Operation: Birthday Heist is a go!” Molly smirked. “Keep your voice down, little hero. You sound like you belong in a kindergarten play, not a criminal enterprise.” Bill rolled his eyes but stayed crouched. “Fine. What’s the signal to move?” Molly held up a finger. “When the birthday kid blows out the candles.” She winked. “Instant chaos is our cover.” They edged closer to the front porch, where a group of excited kids clamored around a cake shaped like a giant paw print. Bill scanned the crowd. “Is that you trying to be inconspicuous? Because you’re popping out from behind bushes like a demented garden gnome.” Molly grinned. “Hey, at least a garden gnome would never pull off this heist.” Suddenly, the birthday kid—an energetic seven-year-old with a crown that looked suspiciously like a paper plate—leaned forward and blew out the candles in one dramatic puff. “Now!” Molly hissed. She grabbed Bill’s arm and darted toward the patio furniture. Bill followed, using his balloon sword to bash a decorative pinwheel as a makeshift distraction. The kids squealed and turned toward the spinning pinwheel with delighted confusion. “Perfect!” Molly said. “While they’re distracted, we grab the gifts and make a break for it.” The pile of presents was as predicted—colorful boxes wrapped with shiny paper and glitter. Molly began stuffing them into her oversized tote bag as Bill kept watch. “Hey, do you really think they’ll notice if a few presents vanish?” Bill whispered, eyes darting nervously. Molly snorted. “It’s a kid’s party, Bill. There’s enough sugar and chaos to distract even a hawk. Besides, by the time they find out, we’ll be halfway to Mexico.” Bill tapped his cape, frowning. “About that—do you know how to get to Mexico?” “We’ll figure that part out later,” Molly said merrily, slinging the bag over her shoulder. Suddenly, a toddler toddled past, tugging on Molly’s bunny ears. “Hey! Not the ears!” Molly yelped, struggling to keep her disguise intact. Bill chuckled quietly. “You might have more trouble with the security than I thought.” As the party’s chaos escalated into a sugar-fueled frenzy, Molly and Bill slipped away, the stolen presents bouncing in the tote between them. “Next time,” Bill said, “let’s just rob a candy store.” Molly grinned, adjusting her ears. “And miss all this fun? Never.”