Run: 2026-02-17-01KHNEYJ708DY6RHEDCJARFCPK

Molly leanedagainst the brick wall, her eyes fixed on the brightly colored balloons bobbing above the backyard fence. Bill adjusted his glasses, squinting at the scene through his binoculars. "Okay, recap," he said, his voice low. "Target: the giant, overstuffed teddy bear near the cake table. Security: one guard, currently in a deep, snoring coma. Escape route: the alley behind the garage. Time window: parents are distracted by the magician's disappearing rabbit act. Five minutes max." Molly snorted. "Five minutes? Bill, we've got a whole army of sugar-fueled toddlers. They'll be swarming that bear like ants on a picnic. And that guard? He looks like he's been hit by a tranquilizer dart. Maybe he is one." She nudged him. "Come on, let's move. This is taking longer than my grandma's knitting circle." Bill sighed, lowering the binoculars. "Patience, Molly. Precision is key. We don't want to wake the entire neighborhood. Or the bear. That thing looks like it could crush a car." He pulled out a crumpled map. "The fence is reinforced, but the gate near the compost bin is loose. We can shimmy through there. You handle the bear, I'll secure the cake. The presents are secondary, remember? The bear is the trophy." "Trophy? It's a stuffed animal, Bill! And it's bigger than my first car!" Molly grumbled, but she started scanning the fence. "Fine. But if that guard wakes up and starts shouting, I'm blaming you. And your 'precision' plan better include a way to explain why we're running past a birthday party with a giant bear." Bill adjusted his tie, a rare moment of seriousness. "My plan is flawless. You distract the guard with... something shiny. I'll create a diversion. The cake will be a smokescreen. Simple." He pointed towards the garage. "The bear is yours. Go." Molly took a deep breath, her eyes gleaming with mischief. "Got it. Shiny thing. Got it." She slipped through the loose fence panel, melting into the shadows near the cake table. Bill watched her go, then straightened his jacket, cleared his throat loudly, and began to whistle a cheerful tune, marching directly towards the snoozing guard. The guard's eyes snapped open, blinking in confusion. "Wha...?" He saw Bill, standing there, beaming. "Uh, officer? Just... enjoying the festivities? This is a private party, right?" Bill flashed a fake badge. "Just doing my rounds. All good here. Carry on." The guard nodded, yawning hugely, and promptly fell back asleep, snoring like a freight train. Molly watched from the shadows, a grin spreading across her face. She crept closer to the bear, its soft fur looking incredibly tempting. Just as she reached out a hand, a tiny voice piped up. "Mommy? The bear is moving!" Molly froze, her hand inches from the plush fur. The bear's head slowly turned, its button eyes locking onto her. "Who's there?" it rumbled in a surprisingly deep voice. "I'm just... admiring your craftsmanship," Molly stammered, her face flushing crimson. "Very... very well made." The bear's eyes blinked. "Craftsmanship? You mean stealing? That's not very nice." Before Molly could react, a small hand grabbed her ankle. "Mommy! The bear thief!" Panic surged. Molly yanked her leg free, stumbling backwards. The bear stood up, towering over her. "I think we have a situation," it rumbled, its voice gaining volume. Bill, hearing the commotion, sprinted over, waving his hands frantically. "Everything's fine! Just a... a birthday surprise! The bear is part of the act!" he shouted, trying to sound authoritative. The children, drawn by the noise, started shouting, "Bear thief! Bear thief!" The guard stirred, blinking at the chaos. Molly, seeing the bear's eyes fixed on her, made a split-second decision. She lunged, grabbing the bear's arm. "Bill! The cake!" she yelled. Bill, seeing his chance, grabbed a nearby slice of chocolate cake and hurled it towards the bear's face. The bear, startled by the flying dessert, reared back, giving Molly the split second she needed. She yanked the bear free and bolted, Bill right behind her, as the children's screams turned into a chaotic stampede towards the cake table. They disappeared into the alley, the giant bear swinging wildly in Molly's arms, leaving a trail of frosting and confusion in their wake.