Run: 2026-07-07-01KWZ5GZ8X5PRW91YF339ZPMJT

Molly and Bill crouched behind a hedge, peering at the birthday party through a white picket fence. A bouncy castle dominated the lawn, its cheerful colors now seeming like a fortress wall. “See the gift table? Stacked ten deep,” Molly said, her voice a low hum. “Too many parents,” Bill said. “We need a distraction.” “I thought of that. The clown. When he does the balloon animal finale, everyone’s watching him. We slip in the back door.” “Back door?” Bill frowned. “I was thinking we take the front. Walk in like we’re late dads.” “That’s your plan? Walk in like dads?” “Late dads,” Bill emphasized. “I got a hat. ‘World’s Best Dad’.” Molly pinched the bridge of her nose. “You don’t have kids, Bill. You’re a convicted thief. No one buys it. We need something better. I got a helium tank. We fill the whole room with balloons.” “For cover?” “No, for a distraction. Everyone looks up as balloons cover the ceiling. We go in low, grab the pile.” Bill nodded slowly. “Then how do we get out? The parents will see us.” Molly pulled out a large, rainbow-striped bag. “I got a custom piñata. It’s full of bugs. We hang it, break it, chaos ensues. We slip out in the confusion.” “That’s… that’s smart. But what about their security? The real dad who thinks he’s a ninja?” “Uncle Greg is in the kitchen, mixing punch. He’s no threat.” Bill squinted. “You got an in with the mom?” “You could say I did a little reconnaissance at the PTA barbecue.” The back door of the house swung open. A man in a party hat staggered out, holding a beer. “Showtime,” Molly whispered. Bill fumbled with the helium tank. The nozzle released a hiss that sounded distressingly like a cat. “Dammit, Bill.” “Sorry. Butterfingers.” They watched a child spot the van and point. Bill said, “What now?” Molly sighed. “We do it the old way. You distract with the piñata, I run for it.” “You gonna beat that thing?” “I’m going to drop it on the birthday boy. Trust me.” Bill held the piñata. “I hate kids’ parties.” Especially when you’re stealing from them?” That too.