the space between us 2: a novella | daerin

11

The house buzzed with a mix of excitement and apprehension as preparations for the book tour and the family's trip to Italy swung into full gear. The dining table, usually a place for quiet meals and shared laughter, was now covered in maps, travel brochures, and lists of things to do.

Casper sat at one end, her laptop open and a cup of coffee within reach. Her eyes scanned the screen, reviewing the itinerary her publishing company had sent over. Azalea, armed with a notepad and pen, sat across from her, scribbling notes and budget calculations. Tilly flitted around them, her excitement palpable as she clutched a small Italian phrasebook.

"Okay," Casper began, glancing up from her screen, "so we'll be in Italy for about a week. I have three book signings scheduled, but the rest of the time is ours."

Azalea nodded, tapping her pen against the notepad. "We need to budget carefully. Flights, accommodation, food... It adds up quickly."

Casper reached across the table, giving Azalea's hand a reassuring squeeze. "We'll make it work. I've already started saving up some of my royalties. Plus, it's a business trip, so some expenses will be covered by the company."

Azalea sighed, her worry lines softening as she looked at Casper. "I just don't want you to shoulder all the financial burden, especially with me being suspended."

"We're a team," Casper said firmly. "We'll get through this together."

Tilly's voice piped up from behind her phrasebook. "Mamma, how do you say 'thank you' in Italian again?"

"Grazie, Tilly," Azalea replied with a smile. "You're doing great."

Tilly beamed, practicing the word a few more times as she twirled around the room. Her innocent joy was a balm to Azalea's anxiety, reminding her of the importance of this trip for their family.

While Casper focused on her work commitments, Azalea threw herself into finding temporary work. She scoured job boards, reached out to former colleagues, and even considered freelance opportunities. Every rejection stung, but her determination never wavered.

One afternoon, as Tilly napped and Casper was buried in manuscripts, Azalea sat at her laptop, drafting a proposal for freelance writing services. The sun cast a warm glow through the window, illuminating the beads of sweat on her forehead as she typed furiously. She knew every bit of extra income would help.

Tilly's excitement was infectious. She spent her days learning new Italian phrases, packing and repacking her small suitcase, and asking endless questions about Italy.

"Mamma, will we see the Colosseum?" she asked one evening, her eyes wide with wonder.

"Absolutely," Casper replied, lifting Tilly onto her lap. "We'll see the Colosseum, eat gelato, and maybe even take a gondola ride in Venice."

Tilly clapped her hands in delight, her imagination already whisking her away to the streets of Rome and the canals of Venice. Casper and Azalea exchanged a smile over Tilly's head, their hearts swelling with love and anticipation.

Casper's days at the publishing company were a whirlwind of meetings, emails, and last-minute preparations. Her colleagues, aware of the upcoming tour, were both supportive and envious.

"You must be excited," Raven said one afternoon, popping her head into Casper's office. "A book tour in Italy sounds like a dream."

Casper smiled, though the strain of balancing work and home life showed in her eyes. "It is exciting, but there's a lot to juggle. I just hope everything goes smoothly."

Raven nodded sympathetically. "If anyone can handle it, it's you. Just remember to take some time for yourself too."

Casper appreciated the sentiment, but she knew the reality of her responsibilities. The book tour was a huge opportunity, and she wanted to make the most of it without neglecting her family.