“Thank you, Mom,” I said.

“The high school called while you were down at the patch,” Grace said.

“The principal’s secretary said Mark turned in his administrative keys at four o’clock and took his personal things.”

“Did he say where he was staying?” I asked.

“She didn’t ask him, and he didn’t leave a number,” Grace said.

Carl picked up the water jug and tightened the cap until it clicked.

“He can stay at his sister’s apartment or find a room in town,” Carl said.