"Light alone isn't enough. There's also alcohol. Drinking in moderation is fine, but too much is a problem."
Howard grew serious as well. He squeezed Tony's shoulder a few times and gave him a long look, as if trying to memorize what he looked like.
"I'll listen to you. Let's go already. What time's the appointment?"
Tony failed to notice the look in his father's eyes. He broke free and ran to the wardrobe to look for clothes. He had not seen Cassandra for several days, and now he could barely wait.
"This is a conversation between the parents. Neither you nor she is allowed to go." Howard shut the wardrobe door and leaned against it. "I'm not done talking. When your mother and I aren't around, you need to listen to Jarvis, understand?"
"Okay, okay, I'll remember." Tony was disappointed that he could not see his girlfriend, but his father's softened attitude today was a good start. He hurriedly agreed.
He did not dare talk back now, afraid Howard might change his mind.
Howard sighed and shook his head. "Good. I thought you'd keep sniveling. Is one girl really worth all this? I don't know what to do with you."
"I think she is. She's different from everyone else. I want to be with her." Tony wiped his face somewhat sheepishly. "This is different from before. I'm serious."
Tony had originally wanted to escape his family's restraints with Cassandra, but now he realized that family was not always unreasonable.
And his father did not seem to be a murderer either. He was not as bad as Tony had imagined.
Howard turned and left, leaving Maria to speak with Tony. "I'll go start the car outside. Come down quickly."
Maria nodded and looked at Tony. She stroked his face, then