These days, he usually draws baths for himself. At the same time every night, and he washes his hair and scrubs his feet pink like his mother used to do for him. Sometimes, he wiggles around too much and sloshes water over the sides, but then he just finds his towel and wipes it up. Mother never knows.

It's been a month and a half since Grandfather first got sick. No one really talks about it, at least not around him, but his mother's been busy ever since: smiling, hosting parties, reassuring people that Grandfather is all right.

She never tries to reassure Gregor that his grandfather is all right. He doesn't usually ask, but when he does she always smiles and hugs him tight. He's old, dear, she'll say. People get tired when they get old.

Gregor doesn't really mind that Mother is so busy so much, except that she's tired a lot too now and doesn't spend as much time with him as she used to. Which wouldn't be so bad, only it makes Gregor miss his father more because he has to play by himself.

But, Father will be home soon, Mother makes that promise all the time, and Gregor will show him how he has learned to take a bath by himself and clean up after himself.

He thinks Father will be proud.