Run: 2026-09-23-01M37HQSW3X8ZMS553MM36JHH2

Molly unfolded a crayon-smeared invitation across the diner table, pinning its corners beneath two stolen sugar shakers. The birthday party began at four. By then, the community center would contain thirty children, twelve exhausted parents, and every single gift-wrapped birthday present. “The clown arrives at three.” Bill studied the invitation as though it were a bank vault blueprint. He had robbed a museum once, but the museum had not offered juice boxes or witnesses with unlimited energy. “I hate professional competition, Molly.” Molly tapped the photograph of the party room. Beside the entrance stood a cardboard castle, large enough to hide a person or, judging by the frosting stains, several regrettable decisions. “Wear the giant cupcake costume.” Bill glanced at the pink monstrosity bulging from her duffel bag. Its cherry was the size of a bowling ball. He imagined explaining it to a judge, then imagined the judge asking for a slice. “I refuse to be dessert.” Across the diner, a little girl in a paper crown watched them. Molly smiled nervously. The girl smiled back, lifted a walkie-talkie, and reported that the cupcake had arrived early. Under the table, Bill quietly surrendered to the inevitability of being thoroughly frosted.