distantly , rio registered the drum of the human 's heart , but his mind was not fully his own . `` is it what i think it is , dad ? '' the bus was definitely in great peril , hanging over a cliff . i fought the urge to shake or slap her . `` excuse me , sir-i ought to get about my appointed rounds again . '' or even the entire messed-up situation of being taken from my school and brought here in secret ? are n't you going to introduce us to our guests ? '' 