Chapter 11: Budget Cuts

Summary

• Calvin and his dog Six-Thirty are jogging in a neighborhood, aspiring to live there one day.
• A headline announces city budget cuts affecting police and fire services, which Calvin passes during their jog.
• The city's budget cuts have resulted in their third reduction under the "Do More with Less!" initiative.
• The police have had to cut back on vehicle maintenance such as tune-ups, oil changes, and repairs in response to budget cuts.
• Six-Thirty is uncomfortable with the police station's vibe and the hurried, sloppy nature of the officers.
• While jogging near the police station, a loud popping sound occurs, startling Six-Thirty and Calvin.
• Mistaking the noise for gunshots, they try to run in opposite directions but are restrained by the leash.
• Calvin slips on motor oil, falls and hits his head, resulting in a pool of blood forming around him.
• A police car accidentally runs over Calvin while responding to the noise, breaking the leash and injuring Six-Thirty.
• Police are shocked to discover they've hit Calvin, who has suffered a serious head injury and a broken arm.
• Calvin whispers for Six-Thirty but is misunderstood by the patrolmen who think he's asking for the time.
• An ambulance is called as Calvin loses consciousness and the police recognize him as a local runner.
• Six-Thirty, injured and with a broken leash, watches as Calvin is loaded into an ambulance and realizes Calvin has died.
• Overcome with sorrow, Six-Thirty leaves to deliver the tragic news to Elizabeth.