Karl had been living in our house for twenty-five years. Id been there for sixteenthe longest Id ever lived anywhere by more than a decade. Ours was a marriage of like-minded nearness. Karls suit jacket went directly onto a hanger. I wiped down the kitchen counters before going to bed. Our never-ending stream of houseguests frequently commented on the tranquility of our surroundings, and I told them the secret was not having much stuff.

These Precious Days by Ann Patchett