Run: 2026-09-01-01M1EMNGCGQKEETS7FGTQZBT1N

Molly leaned against the dumpster behind the community center, adjusting her black turtleneck that was definitely not a disguise. "Bill, I told you to wear the clown nose. It’s camouflage." Bill stared at his clipboard, which was a pizza box. "The mom said no clowns. Also, this portfolio is forged." "We're breaking into a children's party to steal presents, not applying for grad school," Molly said. Bill nodded. "Objective: enter, locate gift table, seize packets, exit without being called 'Mr. Magic Man.'" Molly folded her arms. "How do we pass the balloons? Those are psychological warfare." "Easy. I brought cupcakes." Bill produced a plastic tub. "If a kid asks, I say I'm the sugar inspector." "That is unhinged." "Unhinged is how we survive. Did you bring rope?" "I brought rope, duct tape, and How to Talk to Toddlers Without Crying." Bill looked hopeful. "Can we use that?" "No. You distract them with fake magic while I slide under the snack table and lift presents." "You want me to do magic?" "I want you to do anything except actual magic, because I saw you turn that napkin into smoke." Bill adjusted his safety goggles. "My sleight of hand is underrated. I once palmed a goldfish." "It was dead." "It counts. The party starts at two, ends at four. We steal forty gift bags, some with toys that maim small animals." Molly checked her kitchen timer watch. "We go in at two-fifteen, after the pinata." "Why after?" "Decoy. Everyone watches the stick, not the corner gift table." Bill scribbled on the pizza box. "I take the juice station. You take the unicorn flank." "Those look judgmental." "They're soft. My concern is the mother with the headset. She knows everything." "She's just a mom." "If we're caught, we're on a parenting forum forever." Bill sighed at the door where kids screamed about cake. "What if they ask for a gift?" "We give nothing. We are thieves, not Santa." "But it feels wrong." "Moral ambiguity is part of the heist." Bill pulled out a glittery wand. "I have this, just in case." "That is a liability." "Everything is a liability. That's why I have backup." Molly pulled out a small bag of balloons. "I have helium." "Helium is for floating, not crimes." "We can float presents out the window." "Brilliant!" "No, it's stupid, but it confuses them." Bill nodded seriously. "Stay low, stay silent. If anyone asks your name, say you're the balloon artist." "I'm Molly. I steal politely." "Polite theft is best." Molly cracked the door, letting in laughter and frosting. "Remind me why we're doing this." "To buy a boat." "We don't sail." "We just need a boat to store presents." "That makes no sense." "Welcome to heist planning." They stepped inside, the door clicking behind them like the start of something very foolish.