Run: 2026-02-16-01KHKRGM4W4ZBGMM5NTK8TEWMP

Molly crouched behind the inflatable castle, the neon pink and blue fabric flapping in the summer breeze. The backyard was a chaos of balloons, streamers, and a table piled high with wrapped gifts. Bill slipped a pair of kid‑sized sneakers onto his feet, trying not to make a sound on the squeaky grass. “Molly, you see the cake?” Bill whispered, his voice barely audible over the giggling children inside. “It’s a chocolate disaster, but the real prize is the gift pile,” Molly replied, scanning the table. “We need a distraction.” “Got any ideas?” Bill asked, eyes flicking to the clown balloon arch. Molly thought for a second, then smirked. “We could unleash the balloon‑pop cannon. One loud bang, kids scream, we grab the presents while they’re distracted.” “Balloon‑pop cannon? You mean that squeaky toy we found in the junk drawer?” Bill raised an eyebrow. “Yes, the one that shoots a stream of confetti and a squeak. It’s perfect. I’ll set it near the cake, you’ll be the lookout.” “Lookout? I’m not good at standing still. I’ll be the one to throw the glitter bomb into the punch bowl. That’ll cause a mess big enough to hide our exit.” Molly laughed, a short, sharp sound. “You’re a genius. Glitter bomb, balloon‑pop cannon… this party will be a fireworks show for thieves.” “Exactly,” Bill said, pulling a small sack from his belt. “All the presents go in here. We’ll split them later, maybe buy a new bike for you, Molly.” Molly checked the perimeter, her eyes flicking to the neighbor’s porch light. “The lights are on, but the adults are busy with the magician. We have about ten minutes before the cake is cut.” “Ten minutes?” Bill’s voice trembled with excitement. “We need to move fast. I’ll place the cannon now, you’ll trigger it with a remote.” Molly nodded, pulling a tiny remote from her pocket. “Ready?” “Ready,” Bill whispered, his hand hovering over the glitter bomb. “On three.” “One… two… three!” Molly pressed the button, and a burst of glitter sprayed into the punch, turning it into a sparkling mess. The children shrieked, the clown’s red nose wobbling. “Now!” Bill shouted, pulling the cannon’s lever. A loud pop echoed, balloons burst, and a cascade of confetti rained down on the gift table. The adults turned, confused, while the kids scrambled for the candy. Molly sprinted to the table, scooping up wrapped boxes. “We got the big ones, the ones with the toys.” Bill grabbed the smaller gifts, his fingers sticky with glitter. “And the tiny ones, the ones with stickers.” They stuffed the sack, their hearts pounding. “We should be out before the parents notice,” Molly whispered, glancing at the clock. “Just a few more steps,” Bill replied, dragging the sack toward the garden gate. “Then we disappear into the night.” Molly turned, giving one last look at the chaotic party. “Another successful heist, Bill. Let’s never do a birthday again.” Bill grinned, the glitter still clinging to his hair. “Agreed. Next time, we hit a retirement home.” The night air smelled of fresh cut grass and lingering sugar. As they slipped away, a stray balloon drifted down the street, its squeaky voice echoing in the darkness. “Did you ever think a birthday could be so profitable?” Bill asked, his grin widening. “Only when the kids are busy blowing out candles,” Molly replied, tucking the sack under her arm. They vanished into the shadows, leaving only glitter and empty plates behind.