The protagonist experiences a significant moment when she finally orders a martini, only to be overwhelmed by its strength with her first sip. This unexpected intensity takes her by surprise, highlighting her inexperience and perhaps her idealized notions about alcohol. It serves as a wake-up call to the reality of adult beverages and the experiences that accompany them.
Additionally, she discovers that scotch does not have the sweet, comforting taste she envisioned, turning out instead to resemble iodine. This revelation becomes one of her profound letdowns, indicating that certain anticipations about life are not always met with the enjoyment expected. Both moments reflect her journey of coming to terms with the complexities of adulthood and her evolving perceptions.