Maybe not the first but one of MANY repeating motif. Perhaps it’s because I am not a genius when it comes to composing my panels. But at a certain level this whole story is about repetition. Scenes and images that repeat, with the difference between the scenes revealing things about the characters. What do I mean? Later on you will see the last panel in on this page somewhat repeated. Okay here, let me show you.
It will be a LONG time before you see this image in context. But till then, speculate on the meanings.