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Nico stood on the white stone steps leading up to the villa above. He looked out over the city,

perched on the hillside, like an ivory waterfall frozen in time. Beyond it, sapphire waters

gleamed in the late morning sun. Nico blinked and he used his hand to shade his eyes.

Santorini was a bright city, like a jewel in the EGNC. He considered

it flashier than his home island of a naffy, but beautiful too, in its own unique way.

He turned back toward the villa and took the steps to at a time. He didn't want to waste a single

moment of his day off. Nico worked at the villa as a scuba diving instructor. He also took

visitors on tours of the city through its rambling avenues and twisting back alleys. He led

hikes and walks, taught kayaking, and even did back country adventures of a particularly enthusiastic

guests. It was a fun job. He got to do all the things he enjoyed and share them with others.

But on his day off, he relished the time he had to himself. For the most part,

every visitor to the island wanted to do the same things, and he couldn't blame them.

He went to tourist spots when he traveled to. Nico cherished his days off, because it allowed him to

explore the less frequented areas of the island. At the top of the steps, he took a path leading

around to the back of the villa. The owners were kind enough to let him stay in a small apartment

that was partially detached from the guest area. He had his own entrance and a window that looked

over the sea. This little apartment was his sanctuary. He loved walking up to it from the path,

and seeing its white washed walls stand out against the bright blue sky.

...