The Early Chapters

Post this one

Pick the early story about us that has been most improved in the retelling — and write down what actually happened.

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 dinner-party version versus the version the facts support.

And once you’ve both answered

Post your correction. The other party may appeal once, in writing. 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 Early Chapters

What did your family — or whoever you were with at the time — make of the new friend?

Describe the era we became friends in — ours, specifically.

Who were you back then that you no longer are?