For a day, the Room remained vacant.

Twice I had high hopes, then disillusionment.
Waiting had become a habit, an occupation.

I put off appointments, delayed my walks, gained time at the risk of losing my position.

I arranged my life as for a new love.

I left my room only to go down to dinner, where nothing interested me any more.
The second day, I noticed that the Room was ready to receive a new occupant.