Run: 2026-09-01-01M1EMJN8SEQ6ZT3DW361GZC0B

"Molly," Bill said, pressing his face to the patio slider, "the presents are under the balloon arch and Gary the clown is about to inflate a poodle-shaped animal. We go now or we miss the robot with flashing lights." Bill tugged his borrowed bow tie. "I'm not wearing clown shoes, Molly. If Gary asks, I have no answer and no explanation." "Gary won't ask," Molly said. "He has a squeaky nose and a strict schedule. See that mountain of wrapped boxes? That's our retirement plan." "We're breaking into a children's party," Bill reminded her. "We're redistributing joy," Molly corrected. "Grab the big box with snowflakes. I want the teddy bear that costs too much and sends a bad message." They slipped inside. The air smelled like grape juice and poor decisions. "Molly, there's a toddler in dinosaur pajamas," Bill whispered. "There are twelve presents," Molly whispered back. "Focus on the loot, not the dinosaur." Bill grabbed a juice box to blend in. "I'm holding juice. I'm also holding a boxed helicopter." "Just wave," Molly said. "Pretend we're Kevin's cousins from the coast." "We don't know Kevin." "Everyone knows Kevin," Molly said. "He's the birthday boy. Now grab the shiny robot. Go." Bill grabbed the robot, then a LEGO set, then a present wrapped in blue paper with a bow. His pockets bulged. "Why am I holding this?" Bill asked. "Because it's heavy and it proves we're serious," Molly said. "Now run before Gary notices I'm not funny." They dashed through the open slider, past a picnic table, and into the getaway van parked behind the bouncy castle. "We stole everything," Bill said, gasping. "We stole quality," Molly said, starting the engine. "And Gary is still out there with his balloon poodle." "Should we apologize?" Bill asked. "No," Molly said. "We should drive. The piñata is intact but our dignity is gone. Park on Elm Street. And Bill—next time, wear actual shoes." "Next time you can steal the clown." "We are not stealing Gary," Molly said. "Too late," Bill said, staring back. Gary was holding a gift bag and waving. "Wave back," Molly ordered. "Act like cousins. Quickly!" Bill waved, holding a dozen wrapped presents high above his head. "Happy birthday, Kevin! We come again!" The van zoomed away, leaving Gary confused, the parents stunned, and the presents safe, if not exactly legal.