I once took a folder of spare documents to an appointment, including several I couldn't explain the purpose of. I'd been told what to bring, but arriving with only those things felt reckless. I had prepared for the instructions to be wrong.
That came back to me while reading about Kafka's working life in insurance. The Kafka Museum describes him as a precise, efficient official who advanced in his career. I liked the thought of meeting him across a desk with a perfectly ordinary matter to settle, carrying all the expectations his name now brings with it.
Comic transcript
Panel 1. Kafka sits behind a desk marked "F. KAFKA" and points to a document. A visitor sits opposite with a folder on his lap.
Kafka: "You're missing the attachment."
Panel 2. The visitor raises a hand. Kafka waits calmly.
Visitor: "And if I bring it?"
Kafka: "Then we're done."
Panel 3. The visitor offers an additional sheet from his folder. Kafka looks at it.
Visitor: "I'd still like to appeal."
