Holding onto items with the feeling of not wanting to let go because it's under your control is one way that spouses handle it when their mate has passed.

You are right. You explain Charlie's state thoughtfully. Grief does take on many forms and the way everyone handles it can't be the same. Sadly, people outside the situation only see 'the clutter' and not the pain and struggle behind it. Your micro fiction handles this sensitive subject with a lot of empathy. Thanks for sharing it.