I disagree with that. I think the music was just the vehicle, it became a challenge. He was obviously capable of playing it. The point was that the father wanted to keep the child. He did not want to let him explore, go into the world and study with other people without his blessing.
Some people are stronger than others.
But I feel that you always pay when you are a child. You have a particular set of circumstances where you start playing concerts early on. What a wonderful kid, and totally normal, going to school. He has friends. You always pay for it.