4. Getting More Angry at Daniel

From her room, Stefany could see through the curtains of her bedroom window. She could see her father, Mr. Frank Madison, scolding Daniel very harshly. Mr. Frank's voice sounded like a rock song accompanying the twilight that would turn into night.

Mr. Frank seemed angry because Daniel dared to take Stefany to spend time together on the hill behind their school until the evening.

Apparently, Mr. Frank was still annoyed with Daniel. He then began to scold the boy,

"How many times do I have to remind you, Daniel? Stefany is my daughter, and I expect you to respect those boundaries!" Mr. Frank shouted with a voice full of anger.

Daniel, with a face that looked sad and disappointed, tried to explain,

"Uncle Frank, I've been explaining it all along, I just wanted to spend time with Stefany. We just wanted to enjoy the beautiful scenery on the hill behind the school."

Mr. Frank shook his head firmly.

"This isn't about the hill scenery or spending time together! It's about respecting the rules and boundaries that have been set. Stefany is a girl who must be protected and cared for. You have to understand that, Daniel!"

Daniel lowered his head, appearing to give up.

"I'm sorry, Uncle Frank. I didn't mean to break any rules or make Stefany feel uncomfortable. I just wanted to make her happy."

Mr. Frank took a deep breath and tried to calm down.

"I understand that you care about Stefany, Daniel. But as her father, my job is to protect and keep her safe. I don't want any risks or dangers threatening her."

Mrs. Emily, Stefany's mother, immediately came out of her house after hearing Mr. Frank's loud voice scolding Daniel. She wanted to reprimand her husband for not scolding Daniel because actually the teenage boy had asked her for permission to take Stefany out until the evening. However, Mr. Frank didn't stop being angry. He became even more annoyed when Mrs. Emily gave permission to Daniel without telling him as Stefany's father.

Mrs. Emily walked with hurried steps towards where Mr. Frank, her husband, and Daniel were standing in their yard. Her face looked anxious and sad, reflecting her concern for Stefany.

"Frank, stop!" Mrs. Emily exclaimed with a trembling voice. "Daniel has asked me for permission to take Stefany out. I know you're worried, but we have to give them trust."

Mr. Frank looked at Mrs. Emily with an angry expression. "How could you give Daniel permission to take Stefany out until this evening, without telling me? I'm Stefany's father, and I have to be involved in decisions like this!"

Mrs. Emily tried to explain gently, "Frank, I know you love Stefany and want to protect her. But we also have to give Stefany and Daniel freedom and trust. They have been friends for a long time. We also need to give them the opportunity to learn to make decisions and be responsible."

Mr. Frank felt increasingly frustrated. "But what happens if there is danger or risk? What if they get hurt?"

Mrs. Emily took a deep breath. "We can't always protect our daughter from all risks, Frank. We have to give Stefany the opportunity to learn and grow. And we have to trust Daniel that he will take good care of Stefany."

"The proof is, our daughter returned safely with Daniel," Mrs. Emily continued to her husband.

Mr. Frank shook his head hard. "I can't accept your explanation, Emily. I'm her father, and I have to know what's happening with my daughter at all times. Besides, why are you even defending one of the members of the Alexander Family?" Mr. Frank said fiercely.

Hearing his family name mentioned, made Daniel, who had previously been bowing his head, begin to raise his head and look at the father of his best friend who had been scolding him all along.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Emily continued trying to calm her husband. "Frank, I understand your worries. But we have to be able to release a little control and give Stefany space to live her life. We have to trust our daughter and give her support."

"Whatever, Emily!" Mr. Frank exclaimed, half-shouting at his wife.

Then Mr. Frank stared sharply at Daniel, saying, "Our business is not over yet!"

Mr. Frank, who didn't seem to want to hear anything that Mrs. Emily said, angrily left his yard. He entered the house with heavy steps and slammed the door hard, leaving Mrs. Emily and Daniel in the quiet yard.

Mrs. Emily and Daniel looked at each other, their expressions full of worry. Daniel felt guilty for causing this chaos, making Mr. Frank and Mrs. Emily argue.

Daniel then began to walk towards Mrs. Emily with hesitant steps.

"I'm sorry, Aunt Emily," Daniel said with a voice full of regret. "Aunt ... I didn't mean to cause this commotion. I just wanted to spend time with Stefany and make her happy," Daniel said from the sincerity of his heart.

Mrs. Emily looked at Daniel with empathy. She shook her head gently. "Daniel, this isn't entirely your fault. Aunt also has to apologize for Uncle Frank's rude attitude towards you. He has always been very protective of Stefany, and Aunt knows her father only wants to protect her."

Daniel nodded, but was still filled with guilt. "I should have been more careful and communicated with Uncle Frank first before taking Stefany out. I didn't mean to hurt anyone's feelings."

Mrs. Emily put her hand on top of the teenage boy's hand, giving him support.

"Daniel, everyone makes mistakes. The most important thing now is how we learn from this mistake and find a way to fix it. Aunt has to talk to Uncle Frank and try to explain everything well to him."

Daniel nodded, sighing in relief. "I agree, Aunt Emily. I will try to apologize to Uncle Frank at another time and explain that I didn't mean to break any rules or make Stefany feel unsafe."

Mrs. Emily smiled gently.

"Thank you Daniel, you are indeed a good boy and Stefany's most reliable friend. Aunt is sure Uncle Frank will listen to you if you sincerely apologize and explain your good intentions. We have to overcome this problem as a family."

After talking to Mrs. Emily, Daniel then began to cycle towards his house, which was about one kilometer away from the house of Stefany, his best friend. Night had truly greeted, and the sky began to be decorated with twinkling stars.

Daniel felt the cool night wind touching his face as he rode his bike quickly. The dim streetlights gave a calm and peaceful atmosphere. Although his heart was still burdened by the events that had just happened, Daniel felt a little relieved because he had talked to Mrs. Emily and received support from her.

Daniel continued to pedal his bike with enthusiasm. Every time the young man saw the beautiful houses and gardens that stretched along the road, he remembered the fun moments he had spent with Stefany. They often played in the park, cycled together, and enjoyed the natural beauty around them.

Mrs. Emily, who was still standing in her yard, watched Daniel's departure with a relieved heart. She really liked Daniel because of his good and polite attitude. The teenage boy always treated Stefany with care and responsibility. Mrs. Emily felt lucky that her daughter had a friend like Daniel.

As Daniel got further away, Mrs. Emily prayed in her heart that Daniel would arrive home safely. She hoped that today's events would not damage the friendship with Stefany.

Meanwhile, Daniel continued to pedal his bike with strong determination. He knew that he had to talk to Mr. Frank and apologize sincerely. Although Daniel felt anxious, he also hoped that Mr. Frank would listen to his explanation and give him a second chance.