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It's a hot summer afternoon on the Mediterranean Sea. Odysseus is returning home to

Ithaca after the Trojan War, back to his beloved island and much missed family.

Years of travel and adventure have worn him out. He's tired and just wants to be back home.

But as he journeys, day and night across the rippling sea, there's always something that

slows him down. Feasts with kings and queens, encounters with the gods, sudden storms, sending

him off course. Today, however, the weather is clear. The hot sun dazzles high above the Mediterranean

Sea. The sky is cloudless, a deep, limpid blue. Odysseus stands on the deck of his ship

and breathes in, belling his lungs. The scent of sea air is intoxicating.

Although he dreams about his home in Ithaca every night, there are times when the sea is spellbinding.

Shielding his eyes to see the sunlight climmer on the blue horizon, he feels at peace.

For a passing moment, he thinks he could go on like this forever.

Watching the waves rise and fall, he imagines them rolling across the ocean, surging.

Sinking, and then rising again. He closes his eyes. It's good to feel the warmth on his face,

making him forget about the fatigue, even if it's just for a moment.

The weariness is transformed into a pleasant sleepiness. He'd love to lie down on a mat in the

shade and take a nap, just for a little while. But then he hears the voice of one of his men,

calling for him. Odysseus opens his eyes. His crew has gathered on the side of the ship,

...