Run: 2026-09-25-01M3CKJM9S47M555PGMQ6NB743

The dim glow of a flickering streetlamp cast long shadows across the alley where Molly and Bill huddled behind a stack of discarded party decorations. The scent of stale cake and helium lingered in the air, a leftover from the last birthday bash. Molly adjusted her black ski mask, the sequins she’d glued on catching the light. “You sure this is the right house?” she whispered, eyeing the pastel balloons tied to the mailbox. Bill squinted at the invitation he’d swiped from the trash. “Says here, ‘Timmy’s 8th Birthday Extravaganza.’ And look—” He pointed to the living room window, where a mountain of wrapped gifts glinted under the chandelier. “That’s our payday.” Molly chewed her lip. “Kids are terrifying. They scream. They bite.” “Only if we get caught.” Bill grinned, patting the bag of lollipops he’d brought. “Distraction strategy. We bribe ‘em with sugar, grab the loot, and vanish like a bad magic trick.” Molly groaned. “Last time you tried that, you got stuck in a ball pit.” “That was an isolated incident.” Bill’s voice was firm, but his fingers twitched toward the lollipops like they were a security blanket. “Besides, kids love me. I’m basically a giant toddler.” Molly sighed. “Fine. But if we get mobbed by a pack of sugar-crazed eight-year-olds, I’m throwing you to them.” Bill clapped her on the back. “Deal. Now, you take the back door. I’ll go in through the front, cause a diversion. Classic good cop, bad cop.” “You’re neither a cop nor good.” “Details.” He adjusted his own mask—a clown face, because of course he had. “Just stick to the plan.” Molly rolled her eyes but nodded. They split up, creeping toward the house like a pair of very suspicious ninjas. The backyard was empty, save for a half-deflated bouncy castle swaying in the breeze. Molly slipped through the gate, her shoes sinking into the grass. Inside, the party was in full swing. Laughter and the shrill notes of a kazoo orchestra filled the air. Bill took a deep breath, stepped through the front door, and immediately tripped over a stray Nerf dart. A child gasped. “Who’s that?” Bill popped up, lollipops in hand. “Who wants candy?” he boomed, scattering the kids like bowling pins. Molly, meanwhile, had found the present pile. She was stuffing a fire truck into her sack when a small voice piped up behind her. “That’s mine.” She froze. A boy in a dinosaur costume stood there, arms crossed. Molly swallowed. “Uh. Happy birthday?” The kid narrowed his eyes. “You’re not my aunt.”