I had just turned eighteen. I was still a virgin - a quiet, obedient girl who did well in school, listened to my parents, and helped my mother around the house. But one seemingly ordinary evening revealed new sides to me.

That summer was different from all the previous ones. The days were hotter, the evenings longer, and I often caught myself thinking about things I’d never noticed before. My body was changing, becoming more sensitive. I blushed for no apparent reason when I saw erotic scenes in movies or heard certain conversations. I wanted to know a man personally, but I wasn’t sure if I was ready.

Alex’s parents were longtime friends of our family. We’d known each other since childhood. Alex came home from university for the holidays - tall, with tousled dark hair and a light, confident smile.

On Friday evening, he and his parents came to visit us. My parents and his parents were sitting downstairs, drinking wine and talking loudly. The house was filled with laughter and chatter. Alex and I decided to go up to my room; I wanted to show him my filmstrip collection.

We sat down on the bed, and for some reason my heart began pounding so hard he seemed to hear every beat. The room seemed smaller than usual. The air was warm and heavy. At one point, he gently placed his hand on my thigh, but I didn’t pull away. On the contrary, I moved a little closer. There was a certain determination in his gaze, and I seemed to understand what he wanted.