In the moonlit gloom of suburban cul-de-sacs, Molly and Bill crouched behind a cluster of hedges. A pastel birthday banner drooped across the lawn like a sleepy cat. Glittering balloons floated above a circle of sugar-charged children who were oblivious to the two shadowy thieves in black. Even through the windows, the laughter and squeals carried on the night breeze, sounding like a siren song of untold riches hidden beneath shining ribbons. Molly adjusted her earpiece, eyes dancing. Molly: "Bill, tonight’s haul could set us up for a decade of mojitos and margaritas." Bill: "I’m more excited about the glitter glue—those little treasures are surprisingly expensive." Molly: "Focus. The wrapping paper alone could pay off our car bills for months." The gate squeaked as they climbed over, each footstep deliberate but light enough to avoid waking any party guests. Tiny feet scampered around gift-laden tables, while trays of cupcakes and punch bowls stood guard. Molly’s gloved hand hovered above a mountain of neatly stacked boxes wrapped in neon paper. She licked her thumb and savored a fleeting memory of birthday magic. It was the perfect crime, as long as the timing held. Bill: "We grab the biggest gifts first, then sneak them out through the dog door." Molly: "Are you sure the dog door is wide enough for two adults and thirty teddy bears?" Bill: "We’ll fold ourselves in origami style and hope for the best." They paused at the edge of the low fence, peering into the chaos of colorful ribbons and confetti. The scent of cotton candy clung to the air, making their stomachs rumble with guilty delight. Molly pointed toward a cluster of gifts stacked beneath a bouncing pink balloon. A child was tugging at the string, ready to burst into tears if it slipped away. That’s their opening, she thought, adrenaline sharpening her grin. Molly: "On my mark, we’re in and out before cake hits frosting stage." Bill: "Frosting stage? You mean when kids start flinging it at each other?" Molly: "Exactly. That chaos is our umbrella for grand theft pediatrics." Bill: "Then let’s waltz in and nick every squeaky toy we can find." Children were distracted by a sudden balloon animal performance, leaving the prize table momentarily unguarded. Molly dove behind a banner, emerging like a bandit queen to snatch a glittery dollhouse. Bill followed, hauling two giant teddy bears under each arm. They exchanged triumphant grins as sugar-fueled adrenaline pulsed through their veins. Their racing hearts pounded as pale moonlight guided them toward spectacular victory. Molly: "One more favor—source those clown wigs; we’ll need them for our flamboyant getaway." Bill: "Perfect. Let’s clown around and vanish before security arrives." Feet pounding on pavement, they darted toward the street where a rental clown car sat idling. Giggles from the party drifted behind them as they piled inside. Bill handed Molly a balloon sword as a trophy. In the rearview mirror, pastel lamplight danced with stolen glitter. They peeled away into the night.