Samsa,” the head clerk was calling out amiably. “He is not well,” said the mother to the head clerk while the father was still speaking through the door, “he’s not well, sir, believe me. Why else would Gregor miss a train! All that the boy thinks about is work. It almost makes me mad the way he never goes out in the evening; he’s been in the city eight days now, but he’s been at home every night. He sits with us at the table quietly reading the paper or studying train schedules. His only amusement is busying himself with his fretsaw.c For example, he spent two or three evenings carving a small frame, you’d be amazed how pretty it is, he hung it in his room, you’ll see it as soon as Gregor opens up. I’m glad, sir, that you are here; we would never have gotten Gregor to open the door ourselves, he’s so stubborn and he’s certainly not well even though he denied it this morning.” “I’m just coming,” said Gregor slowly and carefully, not moving so as not to miss one word of the conversation. “I can’t think of any other explanation, madam,” said the head clerk; “I hope it’s nothing serious. On the other hand I must say we businessmen—fortunately or unfortunately, as you will—are often obliged to simply overcome a slight indisposition to tend to business.” “So can the head clerk come in now?” asked the impatient father, knocking on the door again. “No,” said Gregor. The room on the left fell into an uncomfortable silence, the sister began sobbing in the room on the right.

Why did the sister not join the others? She had probably just gotten out of bed and had not yet begun to dress. And why was she crying? Because he would not get up and let the head clerk in, because he was in danger of losing his job, because the boss would again start hounding Gregor’s parents for their old debts? These were surely unnecessary worries at the moment. Gregor was still here and would not think of deserting his family. Of course, he was currently lying on the carpet and no one who knew of his condition could seriously expect that he would admit the head clerk. This petty discourtesy, for which a suitable explanation could easily be found later, could hardly be grounds for Gregor’s immediate dismissal. And it seemed to Gregor that it would be more reasonable if they were now to leave him in peace instead of bothering him with their crying and pleading. But the others were obviously distressed by the uncertainty, and this excused their behavior.

“Mr. Samsa,” the head clerk now called, raising his voice, “what is the matter? You are barricading yourself in your room, giving only yes and no answers, causing your parents serious and unnecessary concern, and neglecting—I just mention this in passing—your professional responsibilities in an outrageous manner. I am speaking here in the name of your parents and your boss, and I seriously beg you to give a clear and immediate explanation. I am astonished, just astonished. I have always known you to be a quiet, reasonable man and now you suddenly seem to be indulging in rash eccentricities. The Chief did point out a possible explanation for your absence early today—concerning the cash payments that were recently entrusted to you—but in fact I practically gave him my word of honor that this could not be the true explanation. Now, however, I see your incredible obstinacy and have completely lost any desire to intercede on your behalf. And your position is by no means unassailable. I originally intended to speak with you privately, but since you are pointlessly wasting my time, I see no reason why your good parents shouldn’t also hear. Your recent performance has been highly unsatisfactory; it is admittedly not a heavy business season, but a season of no business at all, I assure you, Mr. Samsa, does not exist, cannot exist.”

“But, sir,” cried Gregor, beside himself and forgetting all else in his agitation, “I’ll open the door immediately, this instant. A slight indisposition, a spell of dizziness prevented me from getting up. I’m still lying in bed. But now I am feeling completely refreshed.