Letters from Cork

Cork, 12 January. My dearest Sofia, Your mother tells me you are thinking of coming to Ireland. I shall say nothing about it, except that the spare room has a very good view of the river and the kettle is always on. It rained all through Christmas, as it always does, and Father Daly's sermon was twice as long as last year's, which I would not have thought possible. Do write to me properly, not one of those little messages. All my love, Gran.

Buenos Aires, 20 January. hi gran!! ok so mum is exaggerating as usual. I'm THINKING about it, that's all. There's a master's course in marine biology in Cork that looks amazing, but it's a lot of money and I'd have to leave everyone here. Also it's 36 degrees today and you're telling me about rain?? I'm lying under the fan eating ice cream. love you, Sofi xx

From Sofia's sent folder, 3 February. Dear Sir or Madam, I am writing to inquire about the Master's program in Marine Biology beginning this September. I hold a degree in Biological Sciences from the University of Buenos Aires and have two years' experience as a research assistant. I would be grateful if you could let me know whether international applicants are eligible for any form of financial support. I look forward to hearing from you. Yours faithfully, Sofia Gallagher Ruiz.

Cork, 2 March. My dear girl, Thank you for your letter, which was a real letter, with a stamp, and made me very happy. I showed it to Mrs. Hegarty next door, who said your handwriting is better than her son's, and he is a solicitor. You ask whether I was frightened when I left Ireland for Argentina at your age. I was terrified. I was also, for the first time in my life, completely awake. I came home again forty years later, but I have never once regretted going. That is all I shall say on the subject. Gran.

Email, 10 April. Dear Ms. Gallagher Ruiz, Further to your recent application, we are pleased to inform you that you have been awarded a partial scholarship covering seventy percent of your tuition fees. Please confirm your acceptance of this offer by 31 May. Should you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact us. Kind regards, Postgraduate Admissions Office.

Buenos Aires, 11 April. Gran. They said yes!!! And there's a scholarship, not the whole thing but most of it. I've read the email about fifty times. I should be happy and I am, but I also cried in the kitchen, and Dad pretended not to notice and made me some yerba mate, which is what he does instead of talking. Is it normal to want something and be scared of it at the same time? Don't answer that, I know what you'll say. S.

Cork, 30 April. Sofia, I know exactly what I would say, so I shan't say it. I will tell you instead about the river this morning, which was the color of pewter and full of swans, and about the man in the market who has started keeping the good bread for me because he says I remind him of his mother. These are not reasons to move to a country. But they are reasons to like one. Gran. P.S. I have bought new curtains for the spare room. That is not pressure. They were on sale.

Buenos Aires, 29 May. Dear Gran, I'm writing this one by hand, so you'll know I mean it. I accepted this morning. I keep thinking about what you said, about being terrified and awake at the same time. I'm both. Mum cried, then Dad cried, then the dog was sick on the carpet, so in the end everyone was laughing. I fly on the 4th of September. Please don't meet me at the airport, it's too far. (I know you will anyway.) With all my love, Sofia.

Text message, 5 September, 7:42 a.m. landed!! so tired. gran I can see you through the glass. you made a SIGN?? with my name on it?? crying again. coming out now x

Cork, 10 December. My dearest Sofia, It feels very strange to be writing to someone who lives fifteen minutes away, but you told me last Sunday that you missed my letters, so here is one. I am so proud of you I could burst. Please bring that nice boy from your course to dinner on Christmas Day; I have already told Mrs. Hegarty, so it is far too late to argue. It will rain, of course. Your loving Gran.