Linda flipped through the pages of her old yearbook, her fingers tracing over the faded photographs. A smile crept across her face as she remembered the summer after her sophomore year, a time filled with firsts.

It had been a summer of endless possibilities. She and her best friend, Emily, had spent countless hours exploring the city, their laughter echoing through the streets. They'd discovered hidden gems, from quaint bookstores to bustling markets, each adventure a new memory to cherish.

But the first day of summer camp changed everything. There, in a bustling group of teenagers, Linda had met Alex. With his tousled hair and infectious smile, he was unlike anyone she had ever known. They had spent the week together, sharing secrets, late-night talks, and stolen glances.

Their first kiss had been a whirlwind, a moment of pure teenage magic. It had happened under the starry night sky, the soft glow of the campfire illuminating their faces. As their lips met, Linda felt a rush of emotions she had never experienced. It was a feeling of belonging, connection, and something exceptional.

The summer flew by too quickly. Linda and Alex promised to stay in touch, and they did for a while. But as life moved on, so did their paths. College, careers, and distance took their toll. Their letters grew fewer, and their phone calls less frequent.

Now, as Linda sat in her cozy apartment, flipping through her old yearbook, she couldn't help but feel a pang of nostalgia. The summer of her firsts was a time of innocence, hope, and endless possibilities. And while she missed the carefree days of her youth, she knew those experiences had shaped her into who she was today.

Linda closed the yearbook, her mind wandering back to the summer of her firsts. As she sat there, lost in thought, a particular memory resurfaced. It was an afternoon at the beach, just a few days after she and Alex had shared their first kiss.

They had been building a sandcastle, their laughter filling the air. Suddenly, a wave had swept over them, drenching them both. When they laughed and splashed, Alex leaned in and whispered something in her ear. Linda could not quite remember the exact words, but she recollected how her heart had raced.

It was then that she realized she was falling in love not just with the boy who had made her laugh and feel special but with the feeling of being seen and understood.