Letter 1
Elías Ruiz to Carmen Ortega
10th August 2002 (from Cádiz)
Dearest Carmen,
It's been twenty minutes since you left. I told myself I'd wait a few days before writing to you, but after you left the apartment I felt restless, and before I knew it I had a pen in hand.
I started writing this on the veranda but it's too hot, so I'm lying on the bed now. The only place you want to be in Cádiz in this heat is the house or the beach, and I can't face a packed bus in this weather so I'm staying in. You mentioned you live near a lake, that must be nice. Even when you do make it to the beach here it's always swelling with tourists. No offence.
My next employment interview isn't until Wednesday. To be honest I'm dreading it. If my parents were still alive they'd be horrified, but it's really not so difficult living off the welfare system. I would like to move out of this apartment though. Without you it looks like a regular old apartamento de soltero again. Do you remember those beautiful condos we walked past near the port? I'd love to live in one of those someday.
So, how is it now you're back in Pueblo? I hope going back to work hasn't been too torturous. Give my regards to Ana.
With all my affection,
Elías.