Run: 2026-09-23-01M36NNQZXNYNG8NN7R9MYXE20

“You’re sure this is the children’s party?” Molly whispered. Bill peered through the hedge. “There’s a banner that says HAPPY BIRTHDAY, TIMMY.” “That could be a very enthusiastic accountant.” “And there are thirty-seven balloons.” “Accountants celebrate.” “Look, Molly, the presents are stacked beside the cake. We go in, lift the pile, and leave.” “With thirty children watching?” “They’ll be distracted.” “By what?” Bill produced a kazoo. “The national anthem.” “You can’t play the national anthem on a kazoo.” “I can play something that makes people look around.” Molly adjusted her black mask. “We’re stealing from children.” “We’re borrowing from children. Permanently.” “That’s worse.” “Then we’ll leave them a note.” “What does it say?” “Dear children, your gifts have been seized by the Department of Birthday Redistribution.” “They’ll ask their parents what that means.” “Exactly. Confusion buys us time.” A shriek erupted inside. “Is Timmy crying?” Molly asked. “No. That’s the clown.” “Why is the clown screaming?” “He saw us.” Bill ducked. Molly sighed. “You said this was a quiet job.” “I said we’d be quiet.” “You’re holding a kazoo.” “It’s for emergencies.” “And what’s the emergency?” “The clown’s gaining.” Molly grabbed Bill’s sleeve. “Run.” “Without the presents?” “Bill, we’re thieves, not monsters.” “So we’re stealing the cake?” “No!” “Worth asking,” Bill said, as they sprinted away.