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Ada senses something is terribly wrong when Rita arrives home in disarray with the wrinkled prom dress, but Rita insists she's fine. Rossi reveals to Claire that Vincent is suffering from polycyclemia, a blood disorder. Vincent reiterates he has work to do when Rossi informs him that he will die if he returns to Peru without treatment for his disease. Claire tells Rossi that Vincent is the one who wanted a divorce because he can't allow himself to be close to anyone. Vincent receives a phone call from his brother Kenneth. Julie encourages Betty to date Reverand Jerry Bedford instead of Steven Cord, whom Julie feels is too agressive. When Norman arrives to take her to the prom, an unsteady Rita attempts to hide her attack by Joe. Joe visits his mother at the Schuster mansion, informing her that he is leaving Peyton Place for a mechanic's job in White River. Mrs. Chernak accuses Joe of lying and running away because he has probably committed a serious crime.