Run: 2026-02-20-01KHY824QV1DS8G8WCNSZ7KZFF

The chipped Formica of the diner booth felt sticky under Molly’s elbows. She tapped a sugar packet, sending a small blizzard across the table. “Okay, so little Timmy’s turning six. Fort Knox it is not, but that inflatable bouncy castle complicates things.” Bill slurped his coffee, leaving a brown mustache. “Complicates? It’s a distraction, Mol. A glorious, bouncing distraction. Kids are magnetically drawn to those things. We waltz in during peak bounce.” “Waltz? You’re picturing a waltz? We’re stealing presents, Bill, not attending a debutante ball.” “Details, details. The point is, chaos. Big, sugary chaos. What about the parents? They’ll be hovering.” Molly consulted the hand-drawn floorplan of Timmy’s backyard, complete with stick figures. “Mostly glued to the barbecue. And Aunt Carol, bless her heart, is always monopolizing Uncle Jerry with stories of her cat. We have a window.” “Good. Window's good. And the loot? Strategery for the bags?” “Santa sacks, naturally. Blends right in. And Bill, no ‘accidental’ grabbing of cake. Last time, it almost blew the whole operation.” Bill waved a dismissive hand. “A small indulgence. For energy!”