Run: 2026-09-23-01M36NHDQ9PY7TMVTPZ547Y90F

“We go in through the front,” Molly whispered. Bill peered over the hedge. “The front has a clown.” “Clowns are people.” “That one has a balloon animal shaped like a subpoena.” “Then he’s a lawyer. Lawyers are people too.” “He’s blocking the door.” “Distract him.” “With what?” “Your personality.” “My personality once got us banned from a library.” “Exactly. He’ll be so fascinated he won’t notice me.” Bill watched the clown twist a purple balloon into a dog. “What’s the plan after we get inside?” “We locate the presents, load them into the laundry cart, and leave.” “What laundry cart?” “The one you’re holding.” Bill glanced down at the wicker basket under his arm. “This is a picnic hamper.” “Today it’s a laundry cart.” “It has sandwiches in it.” “Then today it’s a laundry cart with sandwiches.” Molly adjusted her paper crown. “Remember, we’re guests.” “I’m wearing a fake mustache.” “Guests can have mustaches.” “I’m eight years old.” “Then you’re a very distinguished guest.” A child zoomed past them, wearing a cape and carrying a wooden sword. “Are you the magician?” Bill froze. “No.” Molly smiled. “Yes.” The child pointed his sword at the hamper. “What’s in there?” “Bunny,” Molly said. Bill looked at her. “Bunny?” “Magician. Bunny.” The child leaned toward the basket. “I want to see.” “Later,” Molly said. “The bunny is shy.” “Does it bite?” “Only people who ask too many questions.” The child ran off, shouting, “The bunny bites!” Bill lowered his voice. “You are terrible at this.” “I’m excellent. Now we have a reputation.” “For what?” “Dangerous rabbits.” They slipped through the door behind a woman carrying a cake. Inside, balloons bobbed from the ceiling, and a dozen children chased one another around a table. Bill stared at the presents. “That’s a lot of wrapping paper.” “Focus.” “I am focused. I’m assessing the wrapping.” “Assess quietly.” A little girl approached Molly. “Are you here for my birthday?” “Of course,” Molly said. “What’s my name?” Molly glanced at the banner. “Happy Birthday, Sophie.” The girl frowned. “I’m Nina.” “Then the banner is wrong.” “It’s my brother’s birthday.” “Ah,” Molly said. “We’re here for him.” “My brother’s name is Sophie?” “No,” Bill said. “We’re lost.” Molly nudged him. “He means emotionally.” Nina studied them. “Are you clowns?” “Not professionally,” Bill said. “Don’t say that,” Molly whispered. “It sounds like we’re available for hire.” The birthday boy charged up wearing a cardboard crown. “What’s in the basket?” “Bunny,” Bill said. “Can I see?” “Not unless you know the secret password.” “Birthday cake?” “Close,” Molly said. “Chocolate?” “Closer.” “Let me guess,” Bill said. “Tax compliance?” The boy blinked. “What?” “Nothing,” Molly said. “The bunny’s from Belgium.” “Can I pet it?” “It’s allergic to children,” Bill said. The boy laughed and dashed away. Molly grabbed Bill’s sleeve. “We’re never going to reach the presents.” “Maybe the presents are safe where they are.” “We came all this way.” “We came six blocks.” “It was a difficult six blocks.” A parent approached with a tray of juice cups. “You two are the magicians, right?” Molly smiled brightly. “Yes.” “Could you make my son stop bouncing off the walls?” Bill lifted the hamper. “We can make ourselves disappear.” “Perfect,” Molly said. “You distract everyone. I’ll take the gifts.” “Wait. What’s the trick?” “Simple. You tell them there’s a rabbit in the basket.” “And you?” “I’ll steal the presents.” “Then what?” “Then we disappear.” Bill sighed. “Fine. But if anyone asks, I was never here.” The parent handed him a juice cup. “You’re the magician. Do the rabbit trick.” Bill looked at the cup, then at Molly. “The rabbit has escaped.” From inside the hamper came a muffled squeak. Molly stared at him. “Bill, why is there actually a rabbit in there?” “Because the picnic hamper came with sandwiches.” “That explains nothing.” “Agreed,” Bill said, as the children swarmed them. “But it’s working.”