Run: 2026-04-24-01KQ0N767H5QDCHE6KV5Y1CMGB

Molly crouched behind the hedge, peering at the garden where balloons bobbed like smug little moons. Bill unfolded a hand-drawn map on a tea tray. “Molly, that is not a map. That is a placemat.” “It’s both. I’m versatile.” “The presents are under the bouncy castle?” “No, Bill, that’s where children are launched.” A shriek of laughter rose over the fence. Bill winced and clutched his satchel of disguises: two paper crowns, a wizard beard, and a badge reading Uncle Kevin. “We go in at cake time,” Molly said. “Everyone’s distracted by frosting.” “What about the clown?” “I outrank clowns.” “You were banned from mime school.” “For speaking truth.” Bill adjusted the beard, which had stuck to his eyebrow. “Suppose the birthday boy asks who we are?” Molly smiled. “We say we’re from Present Inspection.” “That sounds official.” “It’s written on this clipboard.” “That says Grocery List.” “Official grocery list.” The gate creaked. A small girl in fairy wings stared at them. “Are you pirates?” she asked. Molly stood, regal. “Worse. Auditors.” The girl nodded gravely. “Mum says auditors can have cake.” Bill whispered, “Abort?” Molly whispered back, “After cake.”