Letter 11
Elías Ruiz to Carmen Ortega
27th August 2002 (from Cádiz)
It's been over a week since I've heard from you. Please Carmen, what's wrong? Is it because I pestered you about your phone number? I don't mind if you'd rather send letters. I'm not used to such shyness, so please don't mistake my eagerness for insensitivity. I really like you and I'd love to meet you again when you can.
I had an interview yesterday with the restaurant on the beach. It was at 9am, which is around the time I've been going to bed recently, so I thought it would be a great idea to stay up all night rather than try to sleep for a couple of hours. I managed to stay up, but was almost falling asleep on the bus down to the interview. By the time I arrived I was so tired I felt like my body was moving itself and I was watching a film through my own eyes. I stumbled through the interviewer's questions, and I'm guessing he could tell I was lying about my experience because he flat out told me in the interview that I wasn't an appropriate candidate. Not even a 'We'll call you soon' from this guy. I had to pawn my typewriter to buy clothes for the interview, too. I'll have to buy it back when I get my next welfare check.
Any good news with you?
With all my affection,
Elías.