The objects that earn their place

The mug by my desk has a small chip near the handle. I remember when it happened, and the afternoon that followed. I keep using it.

Some objects earn their place by doing a job well. Others hold a memory. The ones I love most manage both, without making a fuss about it.

Before buying something new, I have started asking whether I want the object or the moment of choosing it. The answer is often enough to let me put it down.