[Mallika]

Hello there,

Thanks for reaching out! I think Dez and Holly have provided some great answers and I hope you've found some clarification already.

I second them in saying that it's natural for children and adolescents to be curious about their bodies. We have all heard of the instance where kids ask their parents, "So, where do babies come from?"

You don't have to feel guilty or ashamed, and you certainly won't go to jail for engaging in such intimacy out of mere curiosity. Like Dez and Holly have mentioned, intent is a factor that is considered when sex-related crimes are concerned. Unless it's a case of rape, molest or abuse, you are not going to be charged for this.

Since both of you were merely curious and there doesn't seem to be an element of abuse at the time the incident occurred between the both of you, I wouldn't worry too much about the onslaught of trauma as a result of this incident. No doubt every individual is different, but by and large, trauma often occurs after an individual has been through an emotionally and physically distressing period. The activities you both engaged in don't seem to be of that nature, at least based on what you have described. However, if you're in touch with your neighbour, it wouldn't do any harm to ask him gently about this incident, if you feel that you need some closure on this matter.

I hope this clarifies and feel free to reach out to any of us if you have any questions!