Erica's father wasn't aware of the terrifying monster that lurked below their ranch in the abandoned gold mine. If he had known, he may not have announced that he was going to build a Flying Machine by the Fourth of July. He may not have worked on the contraption with such a manic fever, oblivious of his dying wife. And, he may have been able to avoid the monster feeding on what was left of his fragile mind. ​​​​​​​For Erica's father, the Flying Machine and his quest for the sky had to succeed - nothing else mattered!