Jenny found him on a small knoll east of the cabins, sitting on a boulder, gazing at the spectacular colors emblazoning the eastern sky.
“Dawn is almost here,” she stated the obvious.
“You couldn’t sleep either,” he asked her, his kindly blue eyes laced with a trace of sadness.
“I’ve been unable to sleep since he left,” Jenny revealed.
“I too am experiencing difficulty with my repose,” he said.
“Do you regret sending Alpha Triad out into the world, Plato?” she questioned him.
“Frankly, I’m torn both ways,” he admitted. “You know I love Blade, and I’m fond of the others too. I do regret sending them on their mission. At the same time, I know the importance of their task. I know the Family will not survive unless they succeed.”
“You did the right thing,” she assured him.
“Thank you.” He smiled. “It does my soul good to hear you say that. I need your support.”
“You have it,” Jenny assured him. She put her left hand on his right shoulder and gently squeezed. “All of us love you. We might disagree at times, but always remember you have our loyal and abiding support.”
Plato rose, his knees wobbly, weaving as he stood. “I wish I could develop a cure for this damnable arthritis!”
“It’s getting worse, isn’t it?” Jenny inquired.
“Let’s forget our cares and woes,” Plato said, ignoring her query. He stretched, watching the sun begin to emerge above the horizon. “What do you say to visiting my cabin for breakfast? I’m sure Nadine will be delighted to have you visit.”
“I don’t want to impose,” Jenny mentioned.
“Nonsense,” Plato said, overruling her objection. “I’ll inform my dear wife we spent all night out here under the stars. Let’s see if we can make her jealous.”
Jenny laughed. “You’re as playful as ever!”
“At my age,” Plato amended, “you’re frisky, not playful.”
They strolled toward the cabins, savoring the fresh morning air and the chirping of the birds.
“It’s a beautiful morning,” Jenny declared.
“And just think,” Plato reassured her. “Wherever the Alpha Triad is at this very moment, they are undoubtedly enjoying this crisp new dawn as much as we are.”
“You think so?”
“You don’t believe me?”
“I don’t know…” she began.
“Where’s all this loyal and abiding support I’m supposed to receive?”
Plato grinned.
“You know I trust you,” Jenny said.
“Then stop worrying!” Plato advised her. “Relax. We’ll have a big meal and gossip about everyone else. Did you hear the question one of the children asked yesterday in anatomy class?”
“You’re terrible,” Jenny chuckled. “I don’t know how Nadine puts up with you!”
“She thinks I’m a hunk.” Plato smirked. Jenny chuckled. “You are. And so is my Blade.”
“Who, at this very second,” Plato speculated, striving to ease her anxiety, “is alive and well and invariably thinking of you.”
“I know he is still alive,” Jenny affirmed “I can feel it, deep down. But I’m troubled…”
“About what?” Plato cut her off. “You just said you feel he’s alive, and you know he can handle himself competently.”
“I guess you’re right,” she agreed. “I really shouldn’t upset myself. After all, he’s with Hickok and Geronimo. What could possibly beat all of them?”