Gregor suffered from his serious wound for more than a month.
The apple remained embedded in his back because no one dared remove it, and it stayed there as a visible reminder of what had happened.
The injury seemed to remind even Gregor’s father that, despite Gregor’s miserable and disgusting appearance, he was still a member of the family.
He could not simply be treated like an enemy.
Family duty required them to overcome their disgust and endure him.
Simply endure him.
Gregor’s wound had probably reduced his ability to move forever.