The Early Chapters

Answer side by side

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

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

Where we were, what set it off, who lost it first, who couldn't stop.

And once you’ve both answered

Why does that one still work, all these years later?

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

When did you first defend me to someone else?

How quickly did this friendship go deep — and why do you think it could?

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