the space between us 2: a novella | daerin

12

The days following their arrival in Italy were filled with enchantment and discovery for Casper, Azalea, and Tilly. The city of Rome, with its timeless beauty and rich history, became their playground, offering countless adventures and precious moments.

They started their mornings early, their days packed with sightseeing and exploration. The Colosseum, with its grand arches and ancient walls, captivated Tilly, who marveled at the stories of gladiators and epic battles. Casper and Azalea watched her with pride, sharing in her excitement.

The family strolled through the winding streets of Trastevere, where vibrant market stalls and charming cafes created a lively atmosphere. They savored gelato in flavors as diverse as tiramisu and pistachio, enjoying every creamy bite while Tilly eagerly told them about her favourite tastes.

One afternoon, they took a leisurely walk through the Villa Borghese Gardens, where Tilly rode a pony and they rented a boat to paddle on the serene lake. They laughed together as Tilly tried to steer the boat, her tiny hands gripping the oars with determination.

Dinner was a delightful affair at a local trattoria, where they indulged in pasta, pizza, and a selection of Italian wines. Casper, always with a camera in hand, captured the moments—Tilly's delighted expressions, Azalea's relaxed smile, and the warmth of their togetherness.

The day of Casper's first book signing event dawned bright and clear, a perfect day for her to showcase her work. The event was held in a grand bookstore nestled in the heart of Rome, and Casper was eager to make a great impression.

The morning was bustling with activity. Casper navigated a flurry of press interviews and photo opportunities, her energy unwavering despite the whirlwind. She was excited and slightly nervous, her mind buzzing with the anticipation of meeting her readers.

Just as Casper was finishing up a particularly engaging interview, an Italian journalist named Marco approached her. He was charismatic and well-dressed, with a friendly smile that seemed to put everyone at ease. Marco had requested a private interview, and Casper, flattered by the attention, agreed.

Azalea watched from the sidelines, her heart sinking as she observed Marco's interaction with Casper. Marco's gestures were friendly but increasingly personal. He laughed a bit too readily, touched Casper's arm more than was comfortable, and leaned in close as he spoke.

Azalea's concern grew as she saw Casper's eyes light up with amusement. She felt a pang of jealousy and unease, struggling to reconcile her feelings. The scene seemed to highlight a divide between her and Casper, one she had hoped to avoid on this trip.

As the private interview dragged on, Azalea decided it was best to remove Tilly from the situation. She took her daughter's hand gently and guided her away from the scene. "Let's go back to the hotel, sweetheart," she said softly. Tilly, sensing her mother's discomfort, agreed without fuss.

Back at the book signing venue, Casper was puzzled by Azalea and Tilly's absence. She had expected them to be there, sharing in the excitement of the day. With a hint of unease, she began the signing event, greeting fans with a smile that masked her growing concern.

Throughout the event, Casper's mind kept wandering back to her family. She tried to focus on the task at hand, signing books and engaging with readers, but the absence of her loved ones weighed heavily on her.

That evening, after the event, Casper returned to the hotel, eager to reconnect with Azalea and Tilly. She found them in the hotel room, Tilly playing quietly with a new toy, while Azalea looked out of the window, deep in thought.

"Hey," Casper began, her voice tentative. "I missed you both today. Everything went well, but I was worried when you weren't there."

Azalea turned, her eyes reflecting a mix of frustration and sadness. "I'm sorry. It's just... the way that journalist was acting today. It made me uncomfortable. I didn't want Tilly to be around that."

Casper's face fell, a look of genuine concern crossing her features. "I didn't realise. I'm so sorry if I caused you any discomfort. I should have been more aware."

Azalea sighed, taking a step closer. "It's not just that. It's also about how much time we're spending apart. I feel like we're losing touch with each other."

Casper reached out, taking Azalea's hands in her own. "I didn't mean for you to feel left out. I want to make this trip special for all of us. I'll be more mindful of how my actions affect you."

Azalea's eyes softened. "Thank you. I appreciate that. I just want us to be a team, even in the midst of all this excitement."

Casper nodded, pulling Azalea into a gentle hug. "We are a team. And I promise to do better. Let's make the most of our time here together."

As they embraced, the tension of the day slowly began to dissipate. They knew that navigating their relationship amidst the pressures of Casper's career would require effort, but their love and commitment to each other would see them through.

The evening ended with a quiet dinner in their hotel room, where they shared their thoughts and hopes for the rest of the trip. They resolved to focus on their family time, creating cherished memories in the beautiful city of Rome.