Summary

The apple remains in Gregor's back as no one dares to remove it. As such, he loses most of his mobility. Because of his physical state, they begin leaving the door open each evening. The evenings are quiet. His father falls asleep in his chair soon after dinner, while his mother sews. His sister learns French and shorthand at night to improve her potential for advancement in her sales job. The household budget shrinks, so the maid is dismissed. A large charwoman is hired to do the heavy work. Gregor's mother does the rest. Gregor learns that his mother and sister have slowly sold off their fine jewelry items, and they begin discussing the fact that the flat is too big for them. But, no one can fathom how to move Gregor into a new place. Gregor can't see the problem...