Chapter 37: Ada's Home

  "Actually, I like those classical costumes the most, it's just that those things are really... too heavy. Just talking about the equipment, it weighs 40 pounds."

  What Lisa said was not clothes, but those waist-binding devices. In the 19th century, and even in the mid-20th century, the upper class in Europe and America were all wearing such attire. Unlike Catherine's, those garments were extremely frightening.

  40 pounds, which is roughly equivalent to 18 kilograms.

  Some girls are even required to wear masks, single gloves, chastity belts and so on.

  It's just that now, at the peak of the feminist movement, all sorts of ideas have been liberated, so there are fewer advocates for it. However, corsets remain a popular trend - and seem to have always been in style.

  "What's most important is that those clothes cover the body completely. Such good skin, wouldn't it be great to show some of it?"

  Aida interjected.

  "Maybe I think we should go discuss the premiere issue."

  Catherine timely broke the topic.

  "Right, and there are only two weeks left until the premiere...... Ah, why did I think this summer vacation would be so long?" Lili's spirits lifted.

  It's already June in the US, and school is out, but club activities haven't ended yet. Catherine came to school, actually for the rhythmic gymnastics club... They're going to perform. And Lily and the others came to school because of their respective clubs' issues. Especially the photography club, those girls are now extremely excited. They come from different places, but for this premiere, they don't even want to go back home and instead want to stay until the 30th, waiting for the New York premiere.

  Although transportation in the US is very convenient, it also shows how enthusiastic the photography club members are about this film from another aspect.

  After all, student films are rarely shown in cinemas.

  "Maybe."

  Catherine shrugged.

  "Let's go to the photography club together tomorrow. Since they shot "The Blair Witch", they've been wanting to shoot another movie and it's already come out. However... haha, it can only be shown internally."

  Obviously, it's the quality that doesn't work.

  After all, Catherine and Ada were the protagonists in the last movie.

  Especially in that segment where Catherine speaks directly to the camera, it can be said that the terrifying atmosphere is amplified to the extreme.

  To be honest, Catherine never thought that she would have such good acting skills. Maybe compared to Hollywood's first-line stars there is some gap, but at least on the surface it doesn't look "pretentious" or "deliberate".

  "Uh..." Aida hesitated for a moment, then said: "Sorry, I'm afraid I won't be able to make it. I have to go to the hospital with my dad for a follow-up appointment."

  "Really sorry."

  "It's okay." Ida smiled. But Catherine noticed that things seemed not so simple, and Ida seemed to be hiding something.

  After everyone had dispersed, Catherine found her.

  "Aida, what's wrong?"

  "Dr. Bitman said that my father's depression seems to be developing into schizophrenia and manic-depressive psychosis, I...I think I should take my father to the hospital for a check-up."

  It's just depression, and with the use of antidepressants and spiritual guidance, it will develop in a good direction. However, if it really develops into schizophrenia or manic disorder, it may be somewhat dangerous.

  After all, US presidents who were shot in history were killed by mentally ill people. (You know what I mean)

  "Aida, would you mind telling me something about your father?"

  Catherine continued to ask.

  Aida didn't refuse and then told everything in detail.

  "My father was a veteran of World War II, but in 1946 my mother had a difficult childbirth... so... and at that time, my father was still stationed in Germany. When he returned and received the news, he became depressed."

  "According to the doctor's judgment, it is highly likely that my father had already developed psychological disorders on the battlefield and then triggered depression. It is also highly likely that this illness was caused by neglect during previous treatments."

  "Aida, can I go to your home?"

  Aida hesitated for a moment and then looked at kind-hearted Catherine, finally nodding her head.

  Catherine gave Ida a gentle hug.

  "Don't worry, everything will be alright."

  The greatest advantage of girls is that when it comes to physical contact, girls will not be rejected by another girl. And it's very likely that they will even stick together.

  On June 19, 1961, Catherine took part in the school's performance, which was a perfect ending to her first academic year.

  To be honest, the training in gymnastics is nothing compared to ballet. Especially when it's non-professional.

  In fact, Catherine's only peer is Bonnie, the president of the club, who actually looks like she has taken gymnastics.

  And compared to ballet, Catherine also thinks gymnastics is better. After all, although ballet is beautiful, it can also cause harm to the body. Catherine takes good care of herself after each practice, for this reason.

  As she grew older, Catherine felt that ballet had become an obstacle for her, but she didn't know how to explain it to her mother.

  After all, it was her wish.

  On the 20th, the photography club held its last screening of the school year, and Catherine accompanied Ida to her home.

  Aida lives in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and her home is an apartment in a city neighborhood.

  In America, most people living in high-rise buildings are below the middle class. Families like Catherine's mostly live in single-family homes.

  Catherine had no idea Ida lived in a place like this.

  Opening the door, Ada led Catherine into the house.

  The room was very tidy, but in fact there were not many things. On the wall on one side, a 19th-century American Civil War revolver hung. Next to it was a leather holster containing some objects that appeared to be bullets.

  It looks like this should be the most valuable thing in the house.

  "Just as I served with my father in World War II, my ancestors fought in the Civil War."

  Aida replied briefly.

  "Want something to drink?"

  "Thank you, no need."

  At this moment, a middle-aged man walked out of the inner room and opened the door.

  "Aida, you're back?"

  The man is about 180 cm tall, with some slight wrinkles on his face and a calm expression, looking nothing like someone who has suffered from mental illness.

  "Yes, Dad. This is my classmate, Katherine Edson. Kate, this is my father, Marls Roost."

  "Hello, sir. Just call me Kate."

  Catherine smiled kindly at her opponent.

  The picture is an old American TV from the 60s... Now you understand how "beautiful" today's TVs are, right?