Amelia has always considered her father to be the most important person in her life. As he often reminded her,
She grew up under his careful eye and accepted his stringent restrictions as a means of strengthening herself. She never really questioned his wish to keep her near, even at the age of 23.
She needed more time to be ready for the real world, according to her father, who had always advocated that she remain. On the second level, she had a bedroom and bathroom that she believed were exclusively hers.
Although her father’s methods were peculiar, she explained them away as a component of his distinct parenting approach.
He often assured her that suffering will lead to a more pleasant future and that it developed character. For example, the family had to take cold showers.
He would give her a bar of soap and instruct her to use it each time, explaining that it “toughens the body.” She obeyed his commands as usual, without giving it any consideration.
