Run: 2026-02-20-01KHYAX7DZ8R40SWYVK6ZWFBVW

The neon glow of the party’s disco ball cast jagged shadows across the hallway, making the floorboards groan like an old man’s back. Molly adjusted her fingerless gloves, the fabric stiff with the residue of last night’s stolen cookies, while Bill fiddled with the lock of the back door, his breath fogging the cold metal like a spy’s secret. “You sure this place isn’t patrolled by a kid in a superhero costume?” Bill muttered, his voice too loud for the empty street. Molly rolled her eyes, though she couldn’t help the grin tugging at her lips. “They’ll be too busy eating cake to notice us. Besides, the presents are in the basement. We’ll just have to—” A sudden *thud* from the house made them both freeze. Bill’s knuckles whitened around the lock, his knuckles cracking like a bad joke. “Did you hear that?” Molly’s pulse spiked. “Maybe it’s the party’s *real* host—someone who’s *not* a kid.” Bill exhaled sharply through his nose, the scent of stale popcorn and regret filling the air. “Then we’re screwed.” Molly cracked her knuckles, the sound sharp and satisfying. “Nah. We just need a distraction.” She pulled out her phone, already dialing. “I’ll call the fire department.”