Summary

Chapter 24 is titled "A World Wide Open." As Ian rushes out of school, he sees Mr. Collins, who drives him home. They arrive in the house and see Ian’s mother passed out, with a needle nearby. Ian reveals to the reader that it was an overdose, and she died.

In Chapter 25: "What Sticks in Your Mind," Mr. Collins tells Ian he and Gather can stay at his home for the time being. Russ reveals that he had fought with Ian’s mother because she had taken some pills from his medicine cabinet.

Chapter 26 is titled "Clipboard Questions." Ian has a meeting with several teachers and counselors, and a woman from a state agency. The adults suggest Ian could live with his father in Memphis. Ian does...