Night draped the cul-de-sac in velvet shadows, street lamps flickering like broken promises. Molly crouched behind a lavender hedge, balancing a pink dot party hat between nimble fingers. Her eyes sparkled with mischief. From across the lawn, Bill’s silhouette slipped out of a bunny costume, ears slightly drooping with enthusiasm. “Molly, can you confirm the guest list?” Bill whispered, adjusting his floppy bunny ears. “Two dozen sugar-fueled children, three piñatas, and a mountain of wrapped loot,” Molly replied with a grin. “These presents won’t unwrap themselves.” Bill checked a blueprint. “Remember, we’re in and out during the magic show’s finale.” They tiptoed along the driveway, drawing silly footprints on frost. A plastic flamingo décor glowed faintly near the porch. Through a curtained French window, pastel balloons swayed above a long table heaped with cupcakes and candy. The muffled squeals of children and blast of party horns made Molly grin wider. “Target acquired,” Molly murmured, pointing at the window latch. Bill nodded, “We slip through when the birthday song starts. It’s the perfect cover.” Molly checked her watch. “Sixteen minutes until peak confusion, a dozen infants with powdered frosting on their noses.” Bill grinned behind whiskers: “Childproof locks won’t stop us.” They crept onto the porch, each step calculated to avoid squeaky boards. Molly balanced a crowbar disguised as a glow stick. Bill scanned the dark yard for motion-sensor lights. Through the window, streamers fluttered like snakes. A balloon drifted near a teddy bear wearing a cowboy hat. The plan twinkled. Molly pressed her ear to the window. “Kids singing. That’s our cue.” Bill forked a balloon animal twister from his belt. “I’ll distract with bunny magic tricks. You pop in behind me.” Molly rolled her shoulders. “Perfect. I’ll snag every glittering box before anyone notices.” Bill wiggled whiskers: “Heist, hysteria.” Molly raised the crowbar. The window latch clicked. Heartbeats thundered in their ears as they slid inside. A rainbow of wrapping paper sprawled across the living room. Barbie dolls sat beside action figures in time for smashing. The air smelled chocolate sauce, birthday candles. Molly suppressed a laugh of satisfaction. Bill tapped his watch. “Song’s ending. Clock’s running.” Molly hoisted a stack of presents nearly toppling her. “I have twenty boxes of confetti cannon parts and stuffed llamas.” Bill winked. “Load them in the bunny suit pockets.” Molly grinned. “If a kid asks, we’re the entertainment.” Bill bowed. “Performance guaranteed.” They bolted back through the window, arms overflowing with gifts. A blast of confetti triggered. Colorful shards rained down in motion. From inside, a tiny voice yelled: “My unicorn sparkles!” The two thieves froze under a confetti snowfall. Then they sprinted into the night, pockets jingling with pilfered toys—and pride. Molly gasped, puffing under arms. “We pulled it off.” Bill clapped. “Never underestimate a rabbit and a rogue.” Molly winked, “Tonight, bedtime stories are our silent accomplices.” Bill grinned. “Next week: the neighborhood bake sale.” Molly laughed. “One sugar heist at a time, partner.” Bill saluted. “Operation Tinsel ultimate triumph.”