“Tell me one more time,” he asked
“Kit -pan-ich-vi-ses” I repeated
“Kitpanichfisays” he tried

I smiled and shook my head. Laying a hand on his shoulder and kissing him, I tried once more to teach him to pronounce my last name.

“Kit-pan-itch-vee-says” I tried again
“Kitpanichvises” he said finally.

I smiled. He smiled back. -that sweet adorable smile that I would come to cherish.

“Okay , now remember what I told you. Be your sweet charming self and everything should be fine,” I beamed encouragingly. I grasped his hand and squeezed it affectionately. Then we walked into the restaurant.
The smell of curry and chilli floated towards us. I scanned the room and quickly found my parents.

“Mom! , Dad!”
“Hi so you must be the boyfriend we’ve heard so much about”
“Yes, It’s a pleasure to meet you Mr. and Mrs. Kitpanichvises,” he replied

I smiled. They were only the syllables of my name, but he’d tried so hard to learn to say it right. and I loved him -My American boyfriend.