Run: 2026-02-20-01KHY7HWKTC79EDGJ0E6F9VQPB

The neon glow of the party store’s *Kids’ Carnival* sign flickered like a dying firefly as Molly adjusted her oversized clown wig, the elastic biting into her temples. She’d stolen it from a circus supply shop earlier—*very* illegal, but necessary. Bill, already disguised as a slightly lopsided Santa, fidgeted with his fake beard, which kept slipping sideways like a guilty conscience. Inside, the shrieks of delighted children and the jingle of wrapping paper promised a treasure trove of loot. “You sure this is the right night?” Bill muttered, his voice muffled by the beard. “Last time we hit a birthday party, we got chased by a kid with a Nerf gun.” Molly sidled up to him, her gloved fingers twitching near the door handle. “Relax. These parents are all too busy stuffing their faces with cake to notice a couple of *festive* strangers.” She nudged him toward the entrance. “Just play along. You’re Santa. I’m… uh… his *very* confused elf.” Bill groaned as they stepped inside, the scent of sugar and glitter assaulting them. A toddler in a dinosaur onesie immediately pointed and screamed, *“Look, Mommy! It’s Santa’s *weird* friend!”* Molly forced a grin, waving like a maniac. “Surprise, kiddo! We’re here to *spread joy*!” Bill, already sweating through his red suit, nodded sagely. “And *presents*,” he added, eyeing the mountain of gifts under the tree. “Lots of presents.” A parent turned, squinting. “Uh… happy birthday?” Molly’s smile didn’t waver. “We’re *early*. For the *magic*.” She sidled toward the presents, her fingers brushing a stack of wrapped boxes. Bill “accidentally” knocked over a piñata, sending a rain of candy onto the floor—distraction achieved. The parents were too busy herding kids away from the sticky mess to notice as Molly’s hands worked like a magician’s, slipping gifts into her oversized sack. “Three minutes,” Bill hissed, checking his watch. “Then we *run*.” Molly stuffed one last box inside. “Make it two.”