She knew, even then, that he’d fractured something inside her, something that would never fully heal. She could never be the same, and the truth of that nearly brought her to her knees.
-- Narrator (chapter 4)

Importance: This quote comes after the first time Hawkins assaults Evelyn. While their encounter was non-penetrative, Evelyn still feels the effects of being assaulted. This is her first sexual experience, and it is one of violence. In a way, this quote is an interesting take on virginity. So often the concept of virginity, which is lost by penetrative sex, is framed as a loss for the woman involved. But here, Evelyn had no say in this experience. She had that stolen from her. She had no say in that change in herself, and is now scarred. Because of what Evelyn understands of virginity and sex, coupled with the violence of the situation, she feels extra broken. And...