Molly crouched behind the inflatable bouncy castle, peering through a gap at the chaos of screaming six-year-olds inside the backyard. "This is it, Bill. Operation Birthday Bandit is a go." "Are you absolutely certain about this?" Bill adjusted his fake mustache nervously. "I mean, we're talking about stealing from children here." "Relax. We're redistributing wealth from spoiled rich kids to hardworking criminals. It's practically charity work." "That's not how charity works, Molly." "Look at those presents! I count at least twenty boxes by that princess castle thing. That's gotta be thousands in electronics and toys." "What if one of them starts crying?" "Kids cry all the time at parties. Nobody will suspect anything. Now remember the plan - you create a distraction with the balloon animals while I grab the goods." "I still don't understand why I have to be the clown." "Because you already look ridiculous in that outfit, and your balloon animal skills are surprisingly decent for a career criminal." "My poodles are works of art, thank you very much." Molly pointed toward the gift table. "See how they're all focused on the magician pulling that rabbit out of his hat? Perfect timing." "Wait, there's already entertainment? Why didn't you tell me there was already a magician?" "Details, Bill. We adapt and overcome. You'll be the backup entertainment when he finishes his act." "What if the parents get suspicious about two entertainers?" "Simple - we tell them the birthday boy's grandmother hired us as a surprise. Rich people love surprises." "I thought we agreed the birthday girl's aunt hired us." "Boy, girl, aunt, grandmother - just pick a story and stick with it! The important thing is grabbing those presents before anyone notices." "This seems overly complicated. Couldn't we just rob a bank like normal criminals?" "Banks have security cameras, armed guards, and thick vaults. This place has juice boxes and a guy making balloon giraffes." "That's actually a pretty good giraffe." "Focus, Bill! The magician is taking his bow. That's your cue." "What if I forget how to make balloon animals under pressure?" "Then improvise! Make abstract art. Tell them it's a philosophical representation of childhood wonder." "You want me to sell existential balloon philosophy to six-year-olds?" "Whatever works. Just keep them busy for five minutes while I load up the getaway wagon." "Why is our getaway vehicle a little red wagon?" "It blends in with the party theme, and it's surprisingly spacious. Plus, if anyone chases us, we can always claim we're taking the presents to the car because of rain." "It's completely sunny, Molly." "Potential rain. Weather changes quickly. Now stop overthinking and get in character, Giggles the Clown." "I hate that name." "Move out, birthday bandit. Those presents won't steal themselves."