Run: 2026-07-09-01KX40DMQEKWZHJSSXW3BXA47X

Molly crouched behind the hedge, wearing a black turtleneck, a ski mask, and the expression of someone who had made several poor career choices. Beside her, Bill adjusted his cardboard disguise: a giant purple present with two eyeholes and a suspiciously visible pair of trousers. “Remind me why we’re robbing a children’s party,” Bill whispered. “Because the presents are unattended, the adults are distracted, and the birthday clown has the situational awareness of a decorative lamp.” “That’s not a plan. That’s three observations and a felony.” “It’s a heist, Bill. Felonies are implied.” Across the garden, balloons bobbed above a white tent. A banner announced HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LEO! in letters that appeared to have been cut out by a nervous raccoon. Children shrieked around a magician, while parents clustered near a table stacked with wrapped gifts. Molly unfolded a hand-drawn map of the yard. It contained three bushes, a patio chair, and an arrow labeled “PRESENTS.” The arrow pointed directly at the drawing of a cake. “What’s the escape route?” Bill asked. “Through the side gate, over the wall, across the alley, and into the bakery.” “Why the bakery?” “We’ll hide among the baguettes.” “Baguettes don’t hide people.” “Not with that attitude.” They waited until the magician produced a rabbit from a hat. The children gasped. The rabbit looked furious, as if it had been consulted about neither the trick nor the party. Molly sprang from the hedge. Bill followed, wobbling inside his cardboard present. They crossed the lawn with exaggerated casualness, which made them resemble two burglars attempting to sneak through a parade. “Good evening,” Molly said to a passing father. “We are definitely invited.” The man glanced at her mask. “Are you?” “By the birthday boy.” “I’m Leo.” A small child stood beside him, holding a plastic sword. Molly froze. “Then this is perfect timing.” “Are you one of my presents?” Bill bowed so deeply that his cardboard box slid over his head. “Limited edition. Batteries not included.” Leo brightened. “Can I open him?” “No,” Molly said quickly. “He’s… emotionally fragile.” The child poked Bill’s box. It collapsed with a papery crunch, revealing Bill in a sequined vest and one roller skate. “Your present is broken,” Leo announced. “Many collectors consider that desirable,” Bill said. Molly grabbed the nearest gift and tucked it beneath her arm. Bill seized another, then stopped. “This one says ‘To Leo, from Grandma.’” “Excellent. Grandmothers wrap things securely.” “We’re stealing from a grandmother?” “We’re stealing from everyone equally. That’s fairness.” A whistle shrilled. The clown had spotted them. He charged across the yard, tripping over a balloon and landing face-first in the punch bowl. Molly and Bill bolted toward the gate, presents bouncing against their knees. Leo chased them, laughing. “Wait!” he shouted. “You forgot the biggest one!” He pointed to a towering parcel beneath the table. Molly snatched it as they passed. Outside the wall, they dropped into the alley and tore open the paper. Inside was a framed photograph of Leo’s family. Bill stared at it. “We risked everything for a picture?” Molly sighed, then noticed the envelope taped behind the frame. It contained cash. “Fine,” she said. “But next time, we rob a wedding.” “Can we steal the cake?” “Only if it has wheels.”