Run: 2026-07-25-01KYD7SZ36BNHTTV5YWSVESYFG

Molly leaned against the rusted dumpster, arms crossed. Bill fidgeted with a crumpled map. “So, the plan is to break into the Johnson’s backyard birthday party and swipe every present?” “Exactly,” Molly said, eyebrow raised. “Why the long face?” Bill unfolded the map, revealing a crude sketch of a playground. “Because, Molly, *this* is a *children’s party*. There are probably hundreds of kids, parents everywhere, and—” “—and we’re going to blend in. Easy.” “How?” Bill’s voice cracked. “Do we dress up as… clowns?” “No. We dress like… parents.” “Parents? But we’re not parents.” “Exactly. No one questions parents.” Bill squinted at the map. “And the presents? Where are they?” “In the house. Probably. Or the garage. Or—” Molly cut him off. “We’ll find them. Now, the distraction. You’ll create chaos at the bounce house. I’ll slip inside.” “Bounce house? That’s… that’s where the kids are.” “Precisely. Chaos draws attention. While they’re busy bouncing, I’ll—” “Molly, if we *hurt* a kid, we’re screwed.” “Relax. I won’t hurt anyone. I’ll just… *borrow* their presents.” Bill gulped. “Borrow? What if the parents catch us?” “We’ll blame the raccoons. Raccoons are notorious gift thieves.” “They’re not *real* raccoons.” “Exactly. Plausible deniability.” Molly smirked. “Now, the lookout. You’ll watch from the fire hydrant.” “The *fire hydrant*? That’s in the middle of the street.” “It’s a *metaphor*, Bill. You’ll *act* like a fire hydrant. Unmovable. Unnoticeable.” “Right. And if I panic?” “You scream like a banshee. Distract them long enough.” Bill nodded slowly. “And the exit?” Molly tossed him a party favor. “Grab this. It’s a noisemaker. If things go south, we’ll throw it, run, and pretend we’re part of the ‘Happy Birthday’ song.” “You’re *evil*.” “You hired me.” They stood in silence for a moment. Bill crumpled the map. “What if there are *no* presents? What if it’s just cake?” Molly’s eye twitched. “Then we steal the cake. And the balloons. And the *hope*.” “Molly.” “Yes?” “This is a terrible idea.” “Thank you. Now, let’s go ruin some toddlers’ Christmas.”