Run: 2026-09-23-01M37HF89CS4BFWSW23AVBEK7N

Molly studied the birthday invitation like a burglar examining a bank vault blueprint. It promised balloons, cake, and a magician at three. She circled the magician in red. A professional distraction, she thought, already booked and paid for. Bill peered over her shoulder. “How many presents?” “Enough to fill your hatchback.” “My hatchback has a trampoline in it.” “Then bounce faster.” Their operation, drafted on the back of a takeaway menu, depended on costumes. Molly would arrive dressed as a princess; Bill, after considerable argument, would be a dragon. His costume came with a tail that knocked three mugs off the kitchen counter before either thief reached the door. At the party, Molly found the presents piled beneath a banner reading HAPPY BIRTHDAY, THEO! Bill spotted a miniature castle beside them. Inside, an enormous child in a paper crown guarded a drawbridge made of biscuits. “Is that Theo?” Bill whispered. “Ask the dragon,” Molly said. Before Bill could object, Theo ran over, delighted. He handed Bill a foam sword and ordered him to defend the castle. Within minutes, thirty children had surrounded the dragon. Molly backed toward the presents, where Theo’s grandmother pressed a cup of tea into her hands. She stayed for cake.