Run: 2026-02-20-01KHYADDZGJ306WV36PCB6FT96

Molly hunched on a splintered park bench, crumpling a hand-drawn map of the community center’s back entrance—where the party’s overflowing present stack lurked behind a neon plastic ball pit guarded only by a distracted teen volunteer. Bill leaned against a gnarled oak tree, twisting a fake lollipop (his designated “distraction prop”) until its crinkly paper wrapper shredded into tiny scraps that drifted to the sun-warmed grass. He adjusted his frayed baseball cap, glancing at the center’s buzzing windows where colorful streamers fluttered, before turning slowly back to Molly. “You sure the ball pit and distracted teen are the only barriers to the presents?” Bill asked, flicking a scrap off his sleeve. “Positive—Mrs. Henderson’s 7-year-old ranted about it to my cousin’s part-time dog walker yesterday,” Molly said, flattening the map. “When’s the cake chaos supposed to hit?” Bill pressed, tucking the lollipop behind his ear. “3 p.m. sharp—everyone’s eyes lock on the sparkler topper,” Molly replied, tapping a scribbled “CAKE.” “What if a toddler spots us sneaking past?” Bill muttered. “Bribe ’em with a sticker— I stuffed a pack in my jacket,” Molly said. “Fine—but if we get trapped in the ball pit, I’m blaming your cousin’s dog walker.” Molly snickered, standing. “Deal—now let’s fake a parent emergency to cut the line to the back door.”