Run: 2026-10-27-01M5YGR4ERFSD5MR40NQNGJV8Z

Molly parked the borrowed ice cream van across from Poppy’s house, where a banner declared SIX IS A BIG DEAL. Through the front window, a tower of presents glittered like a rainbow trying to buy forgiveness. “Molly, the invitation says three o’clock. Why are we here at noon?” “To study the enemy, Bill. Also, the bakery next door opens at twelve.” Bill consulted the invitation, which Molly had retrieved from a puddle outside the school. The ink had run, making the address look like either fourteen Acacia Avenue or a drawing of a startled octopus. “Our enemy is a six-year-old named Poppy.” “Poppy has hired a magician. Never underestimate someone who pays for smoke.” Molly opened their planning folder. It contained a map of the garden, a list of possible escape routes, and a photograph of a dachshund wearing a tiny policeman’s helmet. Bill had insisted on including the photograph for morale. “I thought we were stealing one present, not all of them.” “One is theft. All of them is a logistical challenge with festive wrapping.” They watched a woman arrange paper plates on a table. A man emerged carrying a bowl of crisps and immediately ate several. Molly marked him on the map with a greasy thumbprint from her second doughnut. “What about the parents? They look alarmingly sober.” “We disguise ourselves as party entertainers. Nobody questions an adult carrying balloons.” Bill glanced at the costumes on the back seat. Molly had chosen a sequined waistcoat and a top hat. His outfit appeared to consist of enormous yellow trousers and a badge reading HELLO, I’M THE OTHER ONE. “I can’t juggle.” “Excellent. They’ll assume you’re the magician’s assistant.” Bill tried on the trousers. The waistband reached his armpits, and both legs could have accommodated additional Bills. He took a cautious step and vanished briefly behind the dashboard, accompanied by the sound of a horn. “How do we get the presents out?” “Inside the enormous cardboard cake. It has wheels and a very forgiving bottom.” The cake occupied most of the van. Molly had decorated it with pink icing made from expanding foam, which was probably not edible. A small plastic bride stood on top, staring grimly at the windscreen. “That cake says HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DAVE. Who’s Dave?” “The shop had a sale. We tell them Dave is the cake.” Bill considered this. Somewhere inside the house, a child shrieked with the joyful ferocity of a kettle learning to sing. The magician arrived, carrying a rabbit and the expression of a man who regretted every career decision. “And if Poppy catches us?” “We improvise. You’re very convincing when you’re terrified.” Molly picked up the balloons. Bill adjusted his trousers and climbed out after her. They rolled Dave across the street, leaving a trail of pink foam, while the rabbit watched them from the magician’s arms with professional suspicion.