code: def _initialize_counter(self):
          
          if self._counter is not None:
              return
  
          if self.counter_reference is self:
              self._counter = _Counter(seq=self.factory._setup_next_sequence())
          else:
              self.counter_reference._initialize_counter()
              self._counter = self.counter_reference._counter
docs: Initialize our counter pointer.
  
          If we're the top-level factory, instantiate a new counter
          Otherwise, point to the top-level factory's counter.