In this flashback, Beth enters Gabriel’s tent and is astonished by how luxurious and romantic it is, with rugs, candles, books, silk overhead, and a double bed. Although Beth has imagined this night for a long time, the reality makes Beth freeze with nerves. Gabriel responds by reassuring Beth that nothing has to happen and begins talking casually to calm Beth down.

As they sit together on the bed, Gabriel tells Beth about his old dog and shows Beth the Proust novel he is reading. Gabriel then admits that Beth keeps him awake at night because he thinks about Beth so much, and he kisses Beth. The kiss deepens their intimacy, and when Gabriel again makes clear that they do not have to do more unless Beth wants to, Beth says Beth does want to.

Beth is the one who pushes the moment forward, beginning to undress and guiding Gabriel’s touch. They remove each other’s clothes slowly and carefully, taking time to look at each other and learn each other’s bodies. When they begin having sex, Gabriel hesitates because he knows they should be careful, but Beth urges him to stay. Beth feels pain at first, which makes Gabriel want to stop, yet Beth asks him not to leave, and together they slow down until the pain softens into pleasure.

They settle into a gentle rhythm, with Gabriel watching Beth’s face the whole time and saying he would stay there forever if he could. Afterward, they marvel that it was the first time for both of them and yet it felt natural. While they lie together, Gabriel tells Beth that Gabriel loves Beth and thinks Gabriel has since the first moment they met. Beth believes him and sees their relationship as a true love story, wishing only that it will end happily.