February 7, 2005:
Six-volt lantern battery. Miniature incandescent lamp, threaded, installed in a base unit with screw terminals. SPST knife-style switch. Single-conductor copper wire shielded with rubbery green or black or red coating.
Attach the wires according to the diagram. Close the switch. Amazing. The light lights, exactly as it's supposed to.
Leading to a fascination for electrical circuits lasting all through childhood, to the point that, at times, your bedroom was like a mad scientist's laboratory. Even years later you saved boxes of switches and LEDs and cables, finally giving them away in one of your frequent moves during college.
Close your eyes, you can see that first simple circuit clearly, on the living room floor near your bicycle, light winking yellow-white against dark-colored tiles.