Run: 2026-04-24-01KQ0NVXB7XCZMN451YTZD7HTC

Molly unfolded a crayon map on the dashboard. “Bill, focus. The bouncy castle is here, the cake table is here, and the presents are guarded by one grandmother with a whistle.” “I fear whistles.” “You fear soup.” “Hot soup is just lava with vegetables.” “Disguise?” “I’ll be Mr. Giggles, balloon man.” “You can’t make balloons.” “I can make a worm.” “That’s one balloon.” “It’s versatile. Snake, belt, disappointing sword.” “And I’ll be the magician.” “You know magic?” “I know misdirection. Watch: your wallet’s gone.” “Molly.” “Relax, I put it in the glove box.” “That’s not misdirection. That’s commuting theft.” “The plan: you enter honking, distract the children with your worm empire. I slip in, stack gifts into the laundry cart, and exit through the kitchen.” “What about the clown?” “Bill, you are the clown.” “No, the real clown. Birthday parties have hierarchy.” “Then challenge him.” “To what, honk combat?” “If necessary.” Bill adjusted his red nose in the mirror. “What if the children cry?” “They won’t. We’re replacing every present with educational pamphlets.” “That’s worse.” “Fine, with cupcakes.” “Cupcakes we bought?” Molly started the van. “Bill, please. We’re thieves, not monsters.”