Run: 2026-09-23-01M36REZQK7H1Y60NVZFWVSJQW

Molly and Bill crouched behind a cardboard castle in clown suits; Bill's mustache peeled whenever he smiled. Streamers, crowns, and juice boxes glittered everywhere. Across the carpet, presents formed a mountain beneath a banner reading HAPPY SEVENTH BIRTHDAY. Molly called it camouflage; Bill called it a fire hazard. “Bill, the presents are guarded by children.” “Excellent. Obviously, children never suspect a man wearing a truly terrible false mustache.” Their plan was simple: wait for musical chairs, slide gifts into a laundry hamper, and escape through the kitchen. The hamper had wheels and a sticker proclaiming WORLD'S BEST UNCLE. Bill added it for authenticity; Molly suspected he liked praise. A trumpet squealed. Twenty children charged toward chairs, leaving presents briefly unattended. Molly signaled with a napkin. Bill pushed the hamper forward, but its squeaky wheel played a tiny, mournful solo. The birthday boy turned. Molly grabbed a balloon and performed an improvised magic trick, producing Bill's missing mustache from behind his ear. Applause erupted. Bill bowed, stepped backward, and landed inside the hamper. Molly seized the handle and rolled him toward the kitchen, where grandmother blocked the doorway with a cake knife. She eyed the hamper and sweating entertainer. Molly smiled.