That night Dorah and Yannis went out again, and after I won the struggle against an angry little boy, I made dinner for myself and the captain, eating it on the lower deck. As it was such a lovely night, a cool breeze blowing away the heat of the day, I went for a stroll through the village, and then sat on the deck watching the people strolling by. It was nice to daydream, pretending that it was my yacht, sipping a cool juice.  Next day we lifted anchor quite early, and after a short trip we docked at Merihas, on the Western side of Kythnos. The island itself is dry and hilly, but here and there the faded green of an age old fig tree gives a bit of softness.
Of course I was given money again, and with our bag filled with oils and hats and towels, me and my charge were sent off for the day, to do whatever we felt like.
I tried to explore the village, but it was sweltering hot, so decided to go swimming until I was relieved of my charge when the parents decided to wake up and take him for a while.
The beach and blue sea was a strong contrast to the dry and harsh interior, and the bright umbrellas shading the beautiful people as I came to call them, in their bright swimwear, was enough to make the lowest spirit soar!
All but mine! Not really, as my spirit did soar, and I felt happy and free, until I had to take off my shorts again, and immediately felt a lot of eyes watching me. I think the lot must have been so bored cooking themselves almost to the state of beef jerky, and anything not the norm is viewed with distrust and amazement!
I decided that Nikos's happyness was more important than my own discomfort, and very bravely, but with insides shaking, I did my duty, and sprinted where-ever Nikos went.
I was now in a better state of mind concerning my empty nest, and the pangs of fear that tormented me at night was a little less frequent. At least I had a whole year to sort myself out a bit!