Vin awoke before the alarm. He always did.

The room was in darkness, dawn still some time off.

Vin drew in a deep breath and tossed his legs over the edge of the bed, at the same time, switching on the small lamp. His knee felt stiff, but a jog would loosen it up. He glanced at the discarded bandage hanging with his revolver and dismissed it.

Automatically, Vin dressed and wandered into the kitchen for a glass of water.

The beeping of his alarm echoed from the bedroom.

Moments later, he locked his unit and set off. The street lights were on, the darkness falling in pools between them.

Vin listened to the sound of his shoes smacking against the pavement. He didn’t need to think. His feet knew this well worn path. They travelled it each day.

After fifteen minutes, the murkiness around him started to thin. The sound of traffic was building as more left their beds and headed for work. Vin missed the chorus of nature… a chorus that was loud and reassuring at this time of day out at Four Corners. In the middle of the city, though, all nature’s creatures struggled for survival – man included.

Ahead, Vin spotted a shadow leaning against a gate. As he passed, the shadow fell into step beside him. There were several moans, groans and promises of ‘never again with triplets’ and then the shadow became silent.

Vin’s mind wandered to the tasks he had to complete in the day.

An amber glow appeared on the horizon as dawn announced itself.

Unconsciously, Vin turned right and crossed the mostly empty road, dodging a motorcycle. As he passed a set of units, two more joined him.

The larger yawned loudly and tucked the wooden cross he wore under his sweatshirt. The taller’s eyes flicked to Vin’s unbandaged knee, but he didn’t comment.

The group jogged in two rows. They turned north and then started to climb toward the affluent part of town. The houses became larger and the distance between them lengthened.

Vin smirked when he spotted an electric gate opening and set a running shoes, worth more than his entire wardrobe, exiting. The newcomer’s expensive cologne almost knocked Vin out.

The group turned around and started down the hill. Vin grimaced, his leg pinching. Downhill wasn’t good on the tender muscles in his knee.

The sun appeared on the horizon and the shadows over the city began to recede. The men weaved through the outskirts of town, passing the barracks where another was waiting.

Vin nodded and the newcomer fell into step beside him, the rest forming ranks behind them.

Vin’s arm bumped his new running partner. He smirked when the other unconsciously bumped him.

Ten minutes later, Vin spotted the final member of their group sitting in a driveway stretching. As always, he was beaming. “Morning boys. I think it’s going to be hot today. Hey, did any of you catch that game last night? The Cowboys slaughtered the Vikings. Great game. I thought Herrington was off-side though.”

“It appears the Lord has sent us another perfect day, brothers.”

“Take it easy on that leg, Vin. And I thought I told you to keep it strapped.”

“Gentlemen, it is obscene for man or beast to be up at this hour.”

“Obscene? I only went to bed two hours ago.”

“What was her name?”

“Caitlin, Ellouise, and Robyn. Triplets.”

It was as if a valve was released every morning when J.D. joined them. Vin glanced at Chris who had remained silent. Chris nodded. Together, the pair lengthened their strides and increased their pace.

Stride for stride, shoulder to shoulder – in perfect harmony. They bumped against each other, running in each other’s space. There was no such thing as personal space between them.

Vin could hear Chris’ rhythmical breathing and the fall of his shoes complimenting his own.

Behind…

“Hey, slow down! I’m worn out. I told you, I entertained triplets last night.”

“Gentlemen, is there some hurry today?”

“J.D., get out from under foot.”

“I’m not underfoot.”

“Vin, I told you to take it easy on that leg.”

“Let them go, brothers.”

Vin smiled. Chris beside him and the boys… the boys just being the boys.

Yep. Josiah was right.

It was another perfect day.

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© March 2007 Aussie Lass. : This relates only to the creative property in this story. The distinctive way the story unfolds, the specific dialogue and unique situations are mine. I acknowledge that some of the characters and settings belong to the owners of "The Magnificent Seven" and I thank them sincerely for turning a blind eye so I can borrow them. (g) No infrigement of copyright was intended and no profit has been made from this story... so, please don't sue me. It wouldn't be worth your while.