I was actually pretty deeply touched by this, especially after reading what he had to say about it.
The first time I played it, I got the wife and happily marched on. I couldn't reach some chests, but I didn't mind so much. When she died, I actually felt a lump in my throat because it was just so abrupt. My character just hunched over and went on slowly, and I couldn't help but feel a bit sad.
The second time, I went on without her, and though I got more chests, everything just felt so lonely.
I played again, and I just couldn't stand to go through without company. I took the wife again, and when she died, I just stayed by her because I didn't see any point in going any further without her.