Evan backs up, and I spread out my wings. I give them a nice, slow beat downwards and then bring them back up, getting a feel for the rhythm. I close my eyes and keep practicing the pattern a few more times: nice, slow beat downwards, then gently bringing them back up again. Nice and smooth. Okay, I could do this. Now, when I finish this practice, to actually fly I’ll just have to flap them faster, but I gotta keep this same pattern. Just nice and smooth, just gotta keep flapping. I think I’m ready to—

“Nice work, kid! Now try landing!” Evan’s voice comes from below me, from very, very far below me.