Run: 2026-02-20-01KHYAA6CA4S6JH87XDJ13GP3K

Molly’s gloved hand adjusted the party hat she’d swiped earlier, tassels tickling her cheek. Bill picked at a loose brick, sending a flint skittering. “They’re all in the bounce house,” he said, nodding toward the blur of laughter. “Twelve toddlers, max. Even Timmy’s narrow little frame can’t block the gift table.” Molly squinted through her binoculars, tracking a princess balloon deflating. “And their parents? Last year, Mrs. Higgins stood guard like a dragon.” Bill grinned, flicking a sugar cookie crumb from his sleeve. “Relax. They’re too busy taking selfies of the pinata. Look—” He pointed to a group of adults cooing at a 3D-printed dinosaur cake. “That’s the loot: twenty-odd presents, half unwrapped. By the time someone remembers the gifts, we’ll be halfway to the interstate.” Molly lowered the binoculars, her tone serious. “Timmy’s key—he’s got a birthday pin on his coat, same as last year. You distract the cake crew; I grab the list of presents from the snack table. Then we meet by the swing set. No talking until we’re in the car.” Bill saluted, then paused. “Wait—what about the piñata? It’s full of candy. You sure we can’t stick around for that?” Molly laughed, smacking his arm. “Bill, we’re thieves, not children. The presents are our piñata. Now move—Mrs. Higgins just noticed us.” She scrambled up, hat falling to her shoulders. Bill followed, brushing grass from his knees. Somewhere, a toddler screamed. They melted into the bushes, leaving the party’s glow dimly visible through the leaves. (Word count: 200)