There was an advantage to speaking less and coexisting more. The advantage was that it led to less bickering. Before they stopped making small talk, their days had been full of squabbles—who had forgotten to bring in water, who hadn’t cleaned up after themselves—and József was busy trying to prevent every conflict. But now they made a point of being accommodating, not thinking too much. The chores took care of themselves. The one best suited for something did it.
