<blockquote>“If it’s the first time that is the worst, and it gets better after that, then I won’t—won’t you—I don’t want him to be your first,” Agnieszka is saying, hotly. She gnaws at her lower lip, staring down at Kasia, still clutching their hands together. Her face is blotchy and pale all at once. “Let me. I’ll—with you. Let me do this for you, with you.”</blockquote>
