The Early Chapters

Answer side by side

What was the first test this friendship passed?

The question sits across the top; you each answer on your own page. Whoever writes second reads the first answer before writing — agree, argue, or correct the record.

Why this question

The favour slightly too big to ask, the secret kept, the lift at an unreasonable hour.

And once you’ve both answered

Did either of us know at the time that it was a test?

Answering it honestly

  • Whoever writes second reads the first answer before writing — properly, not a skim. Your page can agree, argue, or correct the record.
  • Be specific. Dates, places, what was playing, who else was there. Wrong details are welcome; they're evidence.
  • Don't negotiate a joint version. Two accounts that refuse to match are worth more than one polished one.

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 was the first time you realised we were going to be proper friends?

What was the first real thing you trusted me with?

When was the first time we laughed until it actually hurt?