Run: 2026-02-20-01KHY8QKWZAC7K321RJSYTJ2RB

The aroma of stale donuts and desperation hung thick in Bill’s cluttered apartment. Molly perched on a wobbly stool, meticulously examining a miniature plastic pony. Bill paced, a nervous energy radiating off him like heat from a faulty radiator. “A pony, really, Molly? You’re analyzing the equestrian accessories of a five-year-old?” Molly didn’t look up. “It’s a reconnaissance mission, Bill. We need to understand the target demographic. This isn’t your average jewelry store. We’re dealing with glitter, sugar highs, and the potential for projectile cake.” “Right, right. Glitter. The bane of a professional thief’s existence. So, the party. Little Timmy Henderson’s fifth birthday. Held at the community hall. Theme: ‘Pirates and Princesses.’ You’ve confirmed the security?” “Minimal. One bored-looking teenager manning the door, mostly concerned with TikTok. He’ll be easily distracted. My concern is the sheer volume of…stuff.” Molly finally looked up, her expression grim. “I’ve seen photos, Bill. Mountains of presents. We’re talking Lego sets, remote-controlled cars, enough princess dresses to outfit a small nation.” Bill stopped pacing. “Mountains, you say? That’s…good. Very good. Think of the resale value! We could finally ditch this dump and get somewhere with, you know, actual plumbing.” “Don’t get ahead of yourself. We need a plan. A solid plan. We can’t just waltz in and start grabbing presents like we’re at a Black Friday sale.” “Okay, okay. Plan. Right. I was thinking…disguises. We go as clowns! Everyone loves clowns! They’ll be too busy laughing to notice us emptying the gift table.” Molly stared at him. “Clowns, Bill? Seriously? You think a horde of sugar-fueled five-year-olds are going to be charmed by clowns? They’ll be terrified! We’ll be chased out with plastic swords and demands for more cake.” “Alright, alright, bad idea. What about…pirates? We blend in! We’re pirates stealing treasure! It’s thematic!” “Bill, you’re grasping at straws. We need something subtle. Something…unassuming.” Molly tapped the plastic pony thoughtfully. “I’m thinking…parents. We dress as parents. Blend in with the crowd. Casual, unremarkable. Nobody suspects the unassuming parent.” “Dress as parents? But…I don’t *do* parents. I barely remember to water my cactus.” “You can fake it, Bill. Smile awkwardly, compliment the cake, ask about potty training. It’s an act. We’re actors, Bill! Professional thieves! We play roles.” “Potty training? Seriously? I’m going to have nightmares.” “Just think of the payoff, Bill. Enough presents to set us up for life. Think of the plumbing!” Bill shuddered. “Fine. Parents it is. But I’m drawing the line at balloons. I refuse to touch a balloon.” Molly sighed. “Deal. Now, let’s work on your ‘concerned parent’ face. It currently resembles a startled badger.”