The Art of Racing in the Rain

Enzo feels exhausted after the long walk. He’s been hiding the pain of arthritis and hip dysplasia. He distrusts doctors, and recalls an occasion at the Spangle farm when a doctor clipped off part of his right claw without anesthetic. He thinks of Eve and her approach to medicine and mortality. 

Denny’s restraining order keeps him separated from Zoe for months. They exchange letters via their lawyers. He makes excuses to Zoe that his absence is due to touring the European racing circuit. Only Enzo gets to visit Maxwell and Trish’s to see Zoe.

Enzo sleeps in Zoe’s room at Maxwell and Trish’s house. During the night, Zoe surrounds him with stuffed animals to keep him company. While Enzo is touched by the gesture, he spots the replacement zebra. His night is sleepless.

He overhears a conversation between Maxwell and Trish. She suspects that Annika isn’t as innocent as she claims. She also pities Denny, though Maxwell is not as sympathetic. Enzo hears all the evidence he needs to know that they manipulated the timing of the lawsuit to their ends.

Enraged, Enzo takes one of Maxwell’s offered hot peppers, and leaves his diarrhea on the good carpet. He sees this act as a triumph over the demon zebra.