"In reality, what I like most are classic outfits, but they're just… too heavy. The gear alone weighs 18 kilograms."
Lisa wasn't talking about the clothes themselves, but about the corsets and other equipment. In the nineteenth century—and even into the mid-century—the upper classes of Europe and America wore that kind of attire. Unlike what Catherine was wearing, those outfits were extremely dreadful.
Eighteen kilograms is roughly forty pounds.
Some girls even had to wear masks, gloves, chastity belts, and so on.
However, now that the feminist movement is at its peak, many ideas have been liberated, so such practices are less encouraged. Still, corsets remain a popular trend and seem to have endured.
"The most important thing is that those clothes completely cover the body. Such beautiful skin—wouldn't it look nice to show a little?"
Ida chimed in.
"Maybe we should talk about the premiere."
Catherine changed the subject just in time.
"By the way, the premiere is in two weeks… Ah! Why do I feel like this summer is going to be so long?" Lily asked excitedly.
In the United States, school vacations start in June, but club activities haven't ended yet. Catherine came to school mainly for the gymnastics club—they're going to perform. Lily and the others came for their own club commitments as well. The photography club, in particular, is incredibly excited. They come from different places, but for this premiere, they don't even want to go home; they want to stay until the 30th and wait for the screening in New York.
Although transportation in the United States is convenient, this also shows how enthusiastic the photography club students are about the film.
After all, student films are rarely shown in theaters.
"Maybe,"
Catherine shrugged.
"We're going to the photography club tomorrow. Ever since they shot The Blair Witch Project, they've wanted to make another movie—and they already have. But… well, it'll only be screened internally."
Clearly, the quality wasn't very good.
After all, Catherine and Ida were the leads in the last film.
Especially the scene where Catherine narrated directly to the camera—it amplified the horror to an extreme level.
To be honest, Catherine had never imagined she could act that well. Maybe there was still a gap compared to Hollywood stars, but at least on the surface, it didn't feel "forced" or "deliberate."
"Uh…" Ida hesitated, then said, "I'm sorry, I'm afraid I can't. I need to go to the hospital with my dad for a follow-up appointment."
"I'm really sorry."
"It's okay." Ida smiled. But Catherine noticed that things weren't so simple—Ida seemed to be hiding something.
After everyone else left, Catherine found her.
"Ida, what's going on?"
"Dr. Bitman said my father's depression seems to be developing into schizophrenia and mania. I think I should take him to the hospital."
Simple depression can improve with antidepressants and psychotherapy. But if it really develops into schizophrenia or mania, it could be dangerous.
After all, many U.S. presidents throughout history have been assassinated by people with mental illnesses. (You know what I mean.)
"Ida, would you mind telling me a bit about your father?"
Catherine continued.
Ida didn't refuse and then told her the story in detail.
"My father was a World War II veteran, but in 1946, my mother had a difficult childbirth… so… at that time, my father was still stationed in Germany. When he came back and heard the news, he developed depression."
According to the doctor's assessment, it's very likely that my father had already developed psychological issues on the battlefield, which later triggered his depression. It's also very possible that his current condition was caused by negligence during earlier treatment.
"Ida, can I come to your house?"
Ida hesitated for a moment, then looked at the kind-hearted Catherine and finally nodded after a brief pause.
Catherine gently hugged Ida.
"Don't worry. Everything will be fine."
The biggest advantage of one girl approaching another is that physical contact usually isn't rejected—and there's even a chance that the other girl will be the one to make the effort.
On June 19, 1961, Catherine took part in the school performance, which was a perfect way to end her first year of school.
To be honest, gymnastics training is nothing compared to ballet—especially since this is for amateurs.
In fact, the only person Catherine truly respected was the club president, Bonnie, who seemed to have genuine gymnastics training.
Moreover, Catherine preferred gymnastics over ballet, arguing that while ballet was elegant, it was also physically demanding. That was why Catherine took meticulous care of herself after every practice session.
As she grew older, Catherine felt that ballet was becoming an obstacle, but she couldn't easily explain that to her mother.
After all, it was her mother's dream.
On the 15th, the photography club held its final screening of the school year, and Catherine accompanied Ida back to her home.
Ida lived in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in an apartment in the city.
In the United States, most people who live in high-rise buildings belong to the lower middle class. Families like Catherine's usually live in single-family houses.
Catherine was surprised that Ida lived in a place like this.
Ida opened the door and led her inside.
The room was tidy but sparsely furnished. On one wall hung a nineteenth-century revolver from the American Civil War. Next to it was a leather case containing what appeared to be bullets.
It seemed to be the most valuable object in the room.
"Just like my father, who fought in World War II, my ancestors fought in the Civil War,"
Ida replied briefly.
"Would you like something to drink?"
"No, thank you."
Just then, a middle-aged man opened the door to the inner room and walked out.
"Ida, you're back?"
The man was about six feet tall, with a few wrinkles on his face and a calm expression; he didn't look like someone with mental problems.
"Yes, Dad. This is my classmate, Katherine Edson. Kate, this is my father, Mars Rost."
"Hello, sir. Please call me Kate."
Katherine smiled at him kindly.