Run: 2026-02-16-01KHKRDB08DBTT9ZZGHAXWZGSX

The night was thick with anticipation as the two thieves crouched behind the rusted fence of the community center. Molly adjusted the strap of her backpack, her fingers trembling with a mixture of excitement and caffeine. Bill, ever the pragmatic one, checked the lock picks in his pocket, his eyes scanning the glow of the fairy lights that draped the backyard. The children's party was a kaleidoscope of balloons, giggles, and a mountain of wrapped gifts that promised a hefty payday. They had studied the schedule, the parents' exit, and the moment when the cake was cut—exactly when the adults would be distracted by frosting and applause. Molly: "The moment the cake is sliced, the kids will be glued to the frosting, giving us a perfect window." Bill: "Right, the frosting distraction lasts about three minutes, then the parents start clapping and the music fades." Molly: "We need to slip in through the side gate, the one with the broken latch that no one notices." Bill: "I’ve got a lock pick for that; it’ll take me less than thirty seconds to pop it open." Molly: "Once inside, we head straight for the gift table, avoid the balloon arch and the clown’s juggling kit." Bill: "The clown will be busy with the magic tricks; his attention is a gold mine for us." Molly: "I’ll grab the biggest box first, the one wrapped in shiny gold paper—there’s probably the most valuable toy inside." Bill: "Then we move to the smaller packages, the ones in bright colors; they’re easy to toss into the bag." Molly: "We have to be quiet, but the kids’ squeals might give us away. Any ideas to muffle the noise?" Bill: "I’ll bring a small sound‑suppressor—just a piece of foam and a rubber mat to dampen footsteps." Molly: "And I’ll wear these soft‑sole sneakers; they’re as quiet as a cat on a carpet." Bill: "What about the parents? They’ll be near the grill, probably sipping drinks." Molly: "We’ll slip past them when they’re raising a toast; they’ll be too busy to notice a shadow." Bill: "If anyone spots us, we’ll have a quick exit plan: the garden hose tunnel that leads to the alley." Molly: "I’ve mapped it out; the hose is long enough to hide our bodies, and the water will mask any footprints." Bill: "We’ll also need a distraction—maybe set off a small firecracker near the punch bowl." Molly: "A firecracker will draw everyone’s eyes, and the kids will think it’s part of the show." Bill: "Exactly, while they stare, we’ll be loading presents into the duffel bag I’m carrying." Molly: "Time is tight; we have exactly ten minutes from the cake cut to the end of the party." Bill: "Then we move, no hesitation, and we’ll be out before the birthday song starts." Molly: "Ready?" Bill: "Ready as ever." They slipped into the night, the duffel bag bulging with stolen joy, leaving only empty ribbons and bewildered parents behind. The streetlights flickered as they vanished around the corner, their laughter echoing like a mischievous lullaby.