The Art of Racing in the Rain

by Garth Stein

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What is Denny's reaction to the emergency fee in The Art of Racing in the Rain?

Quick answer:

Denny's reaction to the situation of paying the emergency fee in The Art of Racing in the Rain is initially one of acquiescence. He hands over his credit card to pay for Enzo's treatment. But when his card is declined, Denny stiffens. When he tries to pay with another card, it's also declined, causing Denny to frown. And when the same thing happens to his ATM card, he starts to panic.

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Enzo's been hit by a car. Thankfully, he'll survive, but he's been quite severely injured by the accident. When Enzo wakes up, Denny tells him that he has a cracked pelvis. It'll take a little while to heal, but eventually, it'll be as good as new.

That's the good news. The bad news is that Enzo's treatment is quite expensive. He's had an X-ray, a sedative, examination and diagnosis, cortisone injections, and pain medication. On top of all that, Denny has to pay a nighttime emergency fee.

Denny's initial reaction is one of acquiescence. Without hesitation, he hands over his credit card to the assistant to pay for Enzo's treatment. However, Denny's credit card has been declined. He stiffens at this unwelcome news, but promptly hands over another card.

Unfortunately, that turns out not to be the case. Denny's other card is also rejected; apparently, he's exceeded his limit. At this point, Denny frowns and hands over his ATM card, which he's certain will work. But it doesn't. Once again, it would seem that he's exceeded his limit.

Before long, Denny's starting to panic, as Enzo is all too aware. With his breath quickening and his heart beating faster, Denny insists that he's just deposited his paycheck and perhaps it hasn't been cleared yet. Thankfully, the doctor's very understanding about the whole business and allows Denny to pay three hundred dollars in cash and settle the balance by card in the morning.

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