Her hair had been going gray as long as he could remember; she bundled it behind in a bun held with hairpins that he frequently found on the floor when he lived boyishly close to the carpet.
The narrative describes a character whose hair has been gray for as long as the observer can recall. This detail signifies the passage of time and perhaps the weariness that comes with it. The gray hair is tied back neatly in a bun, suggesting a sense of order and tradition in her appearance.
The mention of the hairpins often found on the floor indicates a casual, intimate familiarity with her life and surroundings. It evokes a sense of nostalgia and a boyish innocence in the observer, who reflects on the simple yet meaningful aspects of their relationship and the environment they shared.
