very nice piece indeed! if it is a real story, just hang in there john! you have more talents than shanti has. i think life is about making the best out of whatever we've got. do not compare yourself with others. to you shanti's stuation is better, and to shanti yours is far better because you know every bit of the US. if it is your imagination, you have felt the agony of thousands of nepalese student here in the US who wants to reside here permanently. In both cases, i must say, your writing is very artistic.