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Jeneticist: My turn for a game!

SquidHead: Oh no, it’s contagious.

JazzyPlum: I have more time today.

Stargazer: I knew I couldn’t be the only fun one.

FarfromHome: Reluctantly curious.

Seeker: I can’t wait to find out what you have in mind.

Jeneticist: I’m thinking Truth or Dare.

SquidHead: Ooh, spicy choice!

JazzyPlum: I’m in!

Stargazer: Count me in too.

FarfromHome: I’m not doing anything dangerous or silly.

Seeker: I’m unfamiliar with the rules, by the way.

Jeneticist: How have you never played Truth or Dare?

SquidHead: Some of us didn’t get invited to parties growing up, okay?

Stargazer: OK then, quick recap. If you’re picked, you choose Truth or Dare. Then you answer a question or do the dare. If you choose truth and then opt to pass on answering, you have to do TWO dares.

SquidHead: Wait, I never heard of that.

Jeneticist: Sounds good to me! But how do we prove we did the dare?

JazzyPlum: Pics or it didn’t happen.

FarfromHome: What if we don’t want to send photographic evidence of participating in this?

Stargazer: Then you better stick to truth. Booooooooooring.

Seeker: Fair enough. Start us off, Jen?

Jeneticist: I’ll start tame. Star, Truth or Dare?

Stargazer: Dare, obviously!

Jeneticist: Oooh. Spicy. I dare you to send a sincere compliment to someone in the group via private message.

Stargazer: I thought for sure I’d be eating hot sauce and crying. You’re too nice.

FarfromHome: Hmm. I find it hard to credit that you mean that, Star. But…thank you.

JazzyPlum: Oooh, wonder what she said!

Stargazer: That’s for me to know and you to find out. I pick…Seeker! Truth or Dare?

Seeker: Truth.

Stargazer: Have you ever had a crush on anyone in the group chat?

SquidHead: Ugh. I knew this would happen!

Seeker: Define “crush.”

FarfromHome: Even I know this.

Jeneticist: Don’t tease him.

JazzyPlum: You want their attention. You think about them often.

Seeker: Oh. Then yes.

Stargazer: So sweet! Who is it?

Seeker: I don’t believe I’m required to disclose that. Isn’t it my turn to pick someone?

Jeneticist: It is.

Seeker: JazzyPlum, Truth or Dare?

JazzyPlum: Dare. Do your worst.

Seeker: Record yourself playing the violin and share it with the group.

JazzyPlum: Give me a minute.

[Two minutes later, JazzyPlum sends mp3]

SquidHead: Wow, that’s beautiful. You’re so talented.

Seeker: Definitely.

Stargazer: Is that Liszt?

JazzyPlum: It is. You have a knowledgeable ear.

Stargazer: My dad loves his music. Rhapsody No. 2!

SquidHead: It’s a very moody piece. Anyway, Jaz, it’s your turn.

JazzyPlum: And I’m picking you! Truth or Dare.

SquidHead: I’m doing Dare too. Have at me.

JazzyPlum: Let’s see…record yourself hopping on one foot for 30 seconds. You can just show your foot, if you want.

SquidHead: Cruel and unusual, but okay.

[One minute later, a video pings the chat]

Jeneticist: Don’t take this the wrong way, but your feet are huge.

SquidHead: I’m aware. And I’m picking FarfromHome. Truth or Dare?

FarfromHome: Truth, obviously.

SquidHead: Who do you like the most in the group chat?

FarfromHome: That’s like asking where I want to be hit. But…fine. I’d have to say Jeneticist.

Stargazer: Really? I thought you disliked us all equally.

FarfromHome: Some more than others. To end this game, I pick Jeneticist.

JazzyPlum: Saving the best for last?

Seeker: It seems so.

FarfromHome: Truth or Dare, J?

Jeneticist: Truth.

Stargazer: Boo! You wimped out.

Jeneticist: Pffft. Go ahead, FFH.

FarfromHome: I’m thinking what to ask. Oh. What’s your biggest regret?

SquidHead: Deep one.

Seeker: I’m interested in this answer as well.

JazzyPlum: Me too.

Jeneticist: I’d have to say, taking the safe job instead of holding out for my dream offer. I settled in and got comfortable. Now I don’t know if I’ll ever get in at an observatory.

Stargazer: Aw. It’s not too late! Probably. You’re not 87, right?

Jeneticist: I’m not. ??

Seeker: Then believe in yourself. You never know what the future holds.

FarfromHome: A thoughtful response. I expected nothing less.

JazzyPlum: That’s it for me.

SquidHead: Same! Take care, everyone.