Last Moments with a Professional Pilot

The ride down was nothing but fun. Pulled out my good ol' homework and worked on it in the car while I "dropped eaves" on to the pilot's conversation. The pilot said I was an excellent student, and said it with pride and charisma, I couldn't help but blush away into my papers.
We drove into the late morning bright, trampling over levels of dirt and small debris, as I was completely dumbfounded by how such a small car can take a beating while carrying 3 men. Almost reminded me of what life I had unfolded getting to know this pilot.
We then pulled away from the car, and strapped on our gear. I noticed the pilot packed a ton of fluids, some food, and his weapons-of-choice, a sharp blade with a silenced gun. Almost envious of his gear, I carefully stowed away my papers and books, and put on my back some spare clothes and some drinks. Felt a little unprepared. The pilot had always come ready to fly and I couldn't help but always compare myself to his standards. He would innately motivate me, without even knowing it.
We then began the journey. We hiked down slowly but surely, laughing and enjoying the light trot we held. Soaking in the beauty that God has made for us that day, discussing the mysterious futures, and traversing backwards through the past, the day was perfect. The pilot was filled with excitement and reminiscence, as I looked up at him under his wing, I knew that we will never be denied.
We took camp at the bottom. The stream grew to a thunderous fall, so mighty, so powerful. I couldn't help but become awestruck at the sites. And the pilot pulled out his cigar, his last one that he kept for the one day that he new would be special. The pilot lit it up, and inhaled with a breath of relaxation and content. And he passed it down to me. Knowing it was his last one, I was a little hesitant; however, I couldn't resist my curiousity. I wasn't going to deny the pilot of his captain over me. And I tried. I tried a ton of things. The pilot even let me at a shot of his gun. Carefully teaching me to maintain safety and also have fun, just like all those days in the airplane.
The pilot readied himself for a dip in the stream. I had to join him, finalize that last rush of escapading waters, have that last bit of taking a bite at becoming a commercial pilot under his comforting wings. We blitzed through the water stones in the bottom, gnawing and scratching and butting at the pilot's and his students bodies, as we laughed our way enjoying the turbulence and bumps.
The hike up edged on. The pilot was ahead as usual, of the trail, the aircraft, and me. But he still maintained his pace of progression, innately motivating me again to catch up, and to never fall back again.
I drifted away into a dream. The day was falling into an end, and my time with the pilot was at its last moments. He kept me comforted and strong throughout it all. Always supportive, always ready to teach and humble me. This pilot is incomparable. His knowledge massive as the mountain, his skills ferocious as the falls, and his friendship more valuable than all the gold... I will miss this professional pilot. I will teach as he, and I will never forget to wave into the skies.