THE SOLD OUT LIE

Marvin finished the last bite of his salad, savoring the crisp greens as he sat at the kitchen counter.

His eyes glanced over at the clock. It was almost time. He wiped his hands on a napkin and stood up, heading to his room to get dressed.

The phone in his pocket buzzed just as he started buttoning his shirt. He pulled it out, noticing Stella’s name on the screen.

"Hello, Marvin," came Stella's voice.

"Hello, Stella," he replied smoothly. "What’s up?"

"I’m fine." she said, her tone was light but it was with a hint of excitement. "Are you already at the cinema?"

"No, not yet," Marvin responded, slipping his other arm into the sleeve of his shirt. "But I’ll be there soon."

"How about your preparations? Are you done already?" Stella asked.

"Almost, almost done," Marvin said, glancing at himself in the mirror as he adjusted the collar of his shirt.

"Okay, good," Stella replied. "See you at the cinema, then."

"Yeah, see you soon," Marvin said, hanging up.

From the doorway, his mother,