Hey everybody. It would help me IMMENSELY if I could come about a better understanding of what function же has, well, in this sentence, in my life, in the universe. I know it roughly means 'same' and I know what the sentence below means, but why is же hanging out there? Is he a needed part of the gathering, or did he invite himself? (For the purposes of this question, I decided же would be a "he.") And as a foreigner - how the squeak do I know when (or if at all) to use this word?? (EDIT: It seems like I could get by life without ever needing this word, but I want to 100% sure.)

Что же вовремя не писали, на приёме?


Thanks a lot, your help is needed AND invaluable to me.
большое спасибо - твое помочь очень нужно