she said once she had her mothers attention . she opened her mouth then hesitated . he stared down at me as i struggled , holding me tightly . `` it 's not as good as flying on real wings , '' he said , `` but it beats staying on the ground . '' mercer stared down at his phone . save the people hes got trapped , if we can . by the look of amusement he was trying to suppress , she knew she 'd made a fool of herself again . 