The Cast of Characters

Post this one

Who was once part of “us” that we've lost touch with?

Built for distance. Answer it apart, wherever you are, and send it — post it, photograph it, read it down the phone. Then it’s the other one’s move.

Why this question

The third chair at the table, back then.

And once you’ve both answered

Post this one — then decide together whether anyone deserves a message tonight. Your move.

Answering it honestly

  • Answer it on your own, wherever you are, before you see theirs. Distance is the feature here, not the obstacle.
  • Send the actual answer — post the page, photograph it, read it down the phone. Then it's their move.
  • Resist the urge to soften it in transit. The unedited version is the one worth posting.

And the house rule, whatever the mode: leave a blank rather than write a lie. A blank can be filled later; a lie sits in the archive forever, and you both have to live with the paperwork.

More from The Cast of Characters

When the important call has to be made — good news, bad news, three-in-the-morning news — where do I sit in your order?

Who do we both miss — the character who isn't around any more?

Together: cast the film of this friendship.