Run: 2026-02-16-01KHK9FJSWVP92PEMGHX3HDMMN

The party smelled of frosting and chaos, a perfect chaos for two amateurs with imaginations larger than their criminal records. Molly crouched behind a table draped in cartoon streamers, rehearsing excuses she would never use. Bill balanced a stolen balloon on his shoulder like a nervous sentinel, whispering about timing and timing alone while his knees bounced to the music. They weren’t professionals; their plans were bedtime stories with sticky fingerprints. Molly said, "We distract them with cake, then nab the gifts quickly." Bill replied, "I'm in. Costumes? Maybe a clown, maybe a magician later." They smiled like conspirators and immediately argued about the ethics of stealing from confetti-covered toddlers. It was less about greed than the thrill, the ridiculousness of two grown people attempting to outwit cupcakes and balloons. A toddler waved a sparkly wand and declared them heroes. For a second they almost believed it, plotting absurdities that sounded like party games. They practiced solemn nods and secret handshakes, rehearsing improbable alibis involving glitter, misplaced cupcakes, and a hammy, off-key rendition of 'Happy Birthday' to explain everything later. Outside, the streetlamp winked; inside, the party could not possibly be a better target for bad decisions and good intentions.