Page 10 of Alaska Lights

“This isn’t my first time. I’ve flown a thousand times before. Now is no different.” A bit of anger builds inside me. I know they are worried, but it seems like a lack of confidence from them at this point.

“But it’s your first…job as a pilot. Of course we are going to worry, Helios.”

I groan. “Don’t pull out the full name on me. Come on.” I turn around and open the pilot’s side door of the plane, wanting to make my escape. I need to leave within the next half hour if I want to make an early delivery and make a really good impression.

Then, maybe they will ask for me again.

No one knows this, but Earl is retiring soon, and I want to be the main pilot that goes out on calls. Being a bush pilot is all I’ve ever wanted. Delivering medical supplies, helping with wildfires, search and rescues, or anything and everything the Alaskan Frontier needs, I’m the man for the job.

I want to make a difference, and this is the only way I know how.

“Just be careful. Please.”

“I’m careful every time. You don’t need to worry about me. I’ve done trips like this before. Everything will be okay.” I spread my arms open for a hug. “Come on. I have to go. Listen to the radio, okay? I promise, I’ll be just fine.”

“Okay,” she sighs, stepping close to give me a big bear hug.

I hold her tight for a few minutes, wanting her to know that I hear her and take her concerns seriously. I know her worry is out of love. She’s my best friend. We’re only ten months apart, and she acts like she’s the older one. I’m the sibling who needs to be overprotective, yet she beats me to it every single time.

“I love you.” I kiss her cheek.

“I love you too. Check in when you’re in the air. And when you’re almost there. And when⁠—”

“—Lyra.” I cut her off with a stern glare.

She rolls her lips together and pretends to zip them shut.

I shoot her a wink before lowering my aviators onto my face and climbing into the pilot’s seat. Lyra places a good amount of distance between her and the plane, standing off to the side of the taxi way. I perform the preflight check to make sure everything is in working order. The engine roars and Lyra waves at me from the sidelines, a big bright smile on her face.

I’m lucky.

I know I could have no one at all to be here for me or to worry about me, yet here she is, waving me away for my first day of work as if it’s my first day of middle school.

I don’t know what I’d do without her. I know I wouldn’t be where I am today.

“You’re clear for takeoff, Leo,” my friend Brian, the air traffic controller, says into my ear. “And good luck!”

“Thanks, Brian.” Gently, I push the throttle, starting slow and easy, accelerating at a safe speed.

The trees on either side of me move by faster, the black pavement disappearing under the plane as speed increases. The front of the plane lifts before I’m completely in the air.

“Woo! Fuck yes!” I cheer, excitement heating my cheeks.

All my hard work has finally paid off.

I’m officially a bush pilot, and I’m on my way to make my first delivery.

I soar through the air, gaining altitude and speed. Below, what I love about Alaska most surrounds me. This is what I’ve wanted my entire life. I wanted to be able to look at the beauty from up above, flying over beautiful mountaintops with a fresh white layer of termination dust.

A herd of wild caribou runs through the open plains, crossing the river to get to the other side. The excitement of seeing animals in their natural habitat always feels like the first time. A giddy, almost weightless feeling overcomes my chest, and I smile from ear to ear until my cheeks hurt.

I love it here so much.

There’s nothing like Alaska. There’s no better place, and no one can convince me otherwise.

“How are you doing up there, Leo?” My sister’s voice comes through the headset.

I’m surprised she made it a half hour.