"Do you know, by the way, that you were given to me as a present for my Confirmation (there's also something like a Jewish confirmation)? I was born in '83, so was 13 when you were born. The 13th birthday is a special occasion. Up near the altar in the temple I had to recite a piece learned by heart with great difficulty, then at home I had to make a brief speech (also learned by heart). I also received many presents. But I imagine that I was not entirely satisfied, one particular present I missed, I demanded it from heaven; it hesitated until August 10."
–From an undated letter by Kafka, in about 1921, to his lover Milena Jesenska, a Czech Catholic and writer. Kafka died three years later. Jesenska died in a German concentration camp in 1944, having been caught trying to save Jews.
