Run: 2026-02-20-01KHY8ZSSYKK5XGB3M6Q7ZS4KB

The neon glow of a flickering "Happy Birthday!" sign cast long shadows across the backyard as Molly adjusted the strap of her satchel, her breath fogging in the crisp autumn air. Bill leaned against the fence, twirling a lockpick between his fingers like a lasso. "You sure about this?" Bill asked, his voice low but laced with skepticism. "Kid parties are like Fort Knox, but with more glitter and less security." Molly smirked, nudging him with her elbow. "Relax, Bill. It’s not like we’re stealing from the Vatican. Just a bunch of kids who don’t know the difference between a Rolex and a cheap plastic watch." Bill scoffed. "Oh, so now we’re just *casual* thieves? And what about the parents? They’ll be *pissed* if we walk in like we own the place." Molly rolled her eyes. "We’re not walking in. We’re *sliding* in. And if anyone sees us, we’ll just tell them we’re the new clowns. Everyone loves clowns, right?" Bill groaned. "You’re terrible at this." "Yeah, but I’m *good* at this." Molly pulled out a pair of oversized, rainbow-striped gloves and slid them on. "See? Already got the vibe." Bill eyed the gloves skeptrally. "Those look like something a toddler would wear to a dance recital." "Exactly!" Molly grinned. "We’re not thieves—we’re *entertainers*. The perfect distraction." Bill sighed, rubbing his temples. "Fine. But if we get caught, I’m blaming you for this clown nonsense." Molly clapped her hands together. "Alright, plan of action. We get in, we grab the presents, we get out. No kids, no parents, no mess. Easy." Bill crossed his arms. "And how exactly do we ‘get in’ without setting off every alarm in the neighborhood?" Molly pulled a small, silver key from her pocket. "This." She held it up, letting the light catch the intricate engraving. "I *liberated* it from the neighbor’s shed earlier. Said it was for his ‘emergency toolbox.’ Turns out, it’s the spare key to the backyard gate." Bill stared at the key, then back at her. "You *stole* a key?" Molly shrugged. "Technically, I borrowed it. And I’ll return it after we’re rich." Bill pinched the bridge of his nose. "We’re not stealing for money. We’re stealing for *fun*." "Exactly!" Molly beamed. "And speaking of fun—what’s our exit strategy?" Bill pulled out a map of the neighborhood. "We go through the woods behind the house. Less chance of running into anyone." Molly nodded. "Perfect. And if anyone asks, we’ll just say we were lost. Kids love lost adults." Bill groaned again. "You’re *insane*." Molly grinned, adjusting her gloves. "And yet, here we are. Now, let’s go make some magic." Bill sighed, but there was a smirk tugging at his lips. "Fine. But if we get caught, I’m telling everyone you were the one who suggested the clown thing." Molly laughed, slipping the key into the lock. "Deal. Now shut up and let’s get to work."