Run: 2026-04-24-01KQ0MS6NGR7YWCRDWHENVEG6T

Molly unfolded a crayon map on the bakery table. “Observe, Bill: the fortress. Bouncy castle, face-painting witch, and twelve sticky guards under four feet tall.” “Those guards bite.” “Only if you’re shaped like cake.” “I’m shaped like regret and sausage rolls.” “Perfect disguise. You’ll go in as Uncle Bill, professional balloon disappointment.” “Do I need balloons?” “No, that’s why you’re disappointing.” “And you?” “I’ll be Molly the Magnificent, hired magician. While I shout ‘abracadabra,’ you collect the presents.” “All of them?” “All. Teddy bears, robots, suspiciously book-shaped parcels.” “What about the birthday child?” “We leave a note: ‘Your gifts have been liberated by artists.’” “That’s not a note, that’s a villain’s confession.” “Fine. ‘Rain check.’” “Molly, children remember faces. Especially faces that steal scooters.” “Then wear the clown nose.” “I swore never again after the christening.” “You sneezed glitter into a vicar. History applauds.” “Suppose the parents stop us?” “Distract them with the phrase ‘educational puppet show.’ Adults flee learning.” “And if the kids chase us?” “Throw cupcakes.” “That’s cruel.” “Gluten-free cupcakes.” “Right. Nobody will follow.” Bill sighed. “We are monsters.” “Entrepreneurial monsters. Now practice saying, ‘Who wants balloon taxes?’ without weeping near the piñata.”