When he went out that day he left his keys on the table near the front door. They were quite a heavy bundle, and he was in the habit of declaring them a hindrance—when off jogging or heading out to the allotment—and asking her if she would definitely be around later to let him in. She would almost always say yes: usually it was true; even if not, small tasks could often be arranged. It wasn't just that she preferred to help organize his day; she just wanted to be around to let him in.
