Run: 2026-02-24-01KJ8VAF2W2JV1TA5Z3SG7S07F

Molly spread the hand-drawn map across the van's bonnet, smoothed it out, and stepped back. "The present table is right here," she said, jabbing a wonky rectangle. "The bouncy castle blocks the only way in." "We go through the bouncy castle," Bill said. "You threw up on the teacup ride." "Turbulence." "Bill." "Different turbulence." He squinted at the map. "The big figure by the door. Is that Gary?" "Uncle Gary. Six-foot-three. Fully face-painted." "Tiger or clown?" Bill asked seriously. "We don't know." "That is a critical intelligence gap." "We'll manage." "Tiger, I manage. Clown, I freeze. There's a whole thing." He produced a party hat from the glove box. "Cover story?" "Lost parent. Hopeless expression." "I do hopeless naturally," Bill said, pulling on a pair of novelty sunglasses shaped like tiny birthday cakes. A balloon drifted lazily over the garden fence. On the other side sat thirty wrapped presents, a dozen screaming children, and one unsuspecting uncle with no idea what he was about to face. Molly stared at him for a long moment. "You do realize this is a children's birthday party." "I realize it's an untapped opportunity," Bill said. "Ready?" Molly asked. "Born ready," said Bill, adjusting his party hat.