The next few months were tough. In April, Amir began preparations to visit the American embassy again, hoping to be with me for June, July, and August. He was very busy with his teaching job but had enjoyed his first year of teaching immensely. He had managed to pay off a significant portion of his college debt, something he said he must do as a matter of honor before leaving the country, even just for the summer. But he had maintained a healthy balance in his bank account before doing that and showed in his application that balance when he applied for his visa. Once again I sent the notarized letter, making a point of noting that I would be responsible for him for everything. I decided to leave out the fact that we were engaged, as I didn’t think anyone at the embassy would buy it, and it
