“It’s all right,” someone was saying, over the noise. “You’re all right. Gideon, Gideon... you’re so young. Don’t give yourself away. Do you know, it’s not worth it... none of this is worth it, at all. It’s cruel. It’s so cruel. You are so young – and vital – and alive. Gideon, you’re all right... remember this, and don’t let anyone do it to you ever again. I’m sorry. We take so much. I’m so sorry.”
