The Seventh Most Important Thing

Arthur tells Officer Billie what happened, and she says she’s proud of him “for being in the right place at the right time” (145). Arthur gets dinner with Officer Billie, who tells him Mr. Hampton has stomach cancer and may not have much time left. Officer Billie says Arthur will continue to work for Mr. Hampton, but Arthur says he “can’t do that” and tells Officer Billie about his dad’s death (148). Arthur can’t deal with Mr. Hampton’s death so close to his dad dying.

That night, Arthur has a bad dream about his dad. He has to collect empty beer bottles from the trash “in order to save his father’s life” (150). Like all the similar dreams he’s had, he wakes up before he can keep his dad from dying.

On Monday, Arthur is in a bad mood. Squeak asks what’s wrong, but Arthur doesn’t want to talk. Squeak gives Arthur his foil, but Arthur doesn’t take it.

Kids throw food at Arthur and Squeak. Arthur is ready to beat people up, but Squeak says he’ll handle it. He writes something on Arthur’s notebook and stands on the table, holding the sign up for everyone but Arthur to see.