"And remember," Mary told her son Tom, "be polite. Never forget your manners."
"Mom," Tom said. "I'll be fine." Mary smiled and fixed his hair.
"Your first job," she said, tears coming to her eyes. "I'm so proud."
"Mom?" Tom asked. "What's wrong?"
"Nothin'," she said. "I just wish your father was here to see this." She looked at her son. "Don't forget the rules. Get home before dark and stay away from deserted areas. I don't want you to end up like your father." Tom hugged her.
"I won't Mom," he said. "I promise." He let go of her and walked out the door of his house.
"No magic," Mary called after him.
"I know," Tom called back. He headed down the street towards Tiana's Palace.