Run: 2026-09-29-01M3P2G9F77GBNT8MY5YR60KGR

Molly adjusted her balloon-animal-shaped fanny pack and peered through the hedge at the birthday party. Bill crouched beside her, wearing a clown wig that did not fit the plan. "Explain the wig again," Molly whispered. "Camouflage," Bill said. "Everyone fears clowns, but nobody suspects them." "There are forty children in there, Bill. They will absolutely suspect you." "Children love me. I once won a staring contest with a toddler." "You lost. She blinked once and you cried." "That was a strategic retreat." Bill pointed at the gift table, a mountain of shiny paper and curly ribbon. "Forty presents. Ten minutes. In and out." "Thirty-nine," Molly said. "One belongs to the grandmother, and she's terrifying. I watched her chase a pigeon out of the yard with a rolling pin." "Fine. Thirty-nine." Bill tugged his wig. "You distract the parents with your magic act." "I don't have a magic act." "You have a quarter behind your ear." "That's just a quarter, Bill. I forgot it was there." A cheer erupted from the yard. Someone shouted about cake. "Cake," Bill breathed. "Nobody said cake." "Presents first, cake second." "Cake as payment?" "Cake as bonus." They shook on it, and Bill's wig fell into the hedge.