Run: 2026-02-20-01KHY7Z2PC0KWKP5GM6S5WQ1EF

Molly’s voice was a whisper through the bush. “Bill, if we get caught—” “Caught? By a bunch of toddlers with glitter glue? Please. We’re *professionals*.” Bill adjusted his bandana, which looked more like a chew toy than a heist accessory. “They just got a piñata. We hit during the pinata swing—chaos. Kids’ll be too busy screaming to notice their presents gone.” “Chaos,” Molly said, flat. “Chaos has a 3-year-old with a lollipop *and* a parent who thinks ‘diverse’ means ‘has more than one cartoon character.’” She nodded at the house, where a balloon arch wobbled. “You sure you can sneak past the face painter? She’s got a clipboard.” Bill scoffed. “Face painters? Please. I’ll say I’m her cousin—from *Iowa*. Cousins in Iowa *steal* presents. It’s in the Grundies.” Molly leaned out. “Grundies aren’t a thing.” “Semantics!” Bill whispered-yelled. “Look—there’s a present under the table. *Two* presents. Bunny ears. *Bunny ears*. I need those. For the den. It’s… lonely.” Molly pressed a finger to her temple. “We’re stealing ‘bunny ears’ from a kids’ party.” “Stealing *wisely*. Bunny ears are *utilitarian*.” Bill pointed. “Now—cross the lawn. Avoid the sprinkler. It’s *loud*. And smile. Like you belong. Like you’re not plotting to commit… *toddler theft*.” Molly stepped into the grass. “I’m plotting to commit *good* theft. Bunny ears for the den is *good* theft.” Bill followed, tripping over a potted plant. “And I’m a *serious* thief. Watch.” He stumbled, knocked a balloon, and froze. Inside, a kid shrieked. “Balloon!” Molly grabbed his arm. “Shut up. *Run*. And if we get caught, I’m blaming the plant.” Bill took off, ducking as the door flew open. “Sorry, Mrs. Higgins! It’s a *puppy*! A pirate puppy!” Molly whispered a curse, then sprinted. Somewhere, a toddler wailed. Bill yelled back, “FOR THE PUPPY, AMELIA!” Molly glanced over her shoulder. The bandana was flapping. The presents would be fine, she thought, as Bill banged into a mailbox. Mostly fine.