the conversation went like this

A student walked up to me after I had dismissed today's beginner-level class.

"One of my friends asked me about this class," she said.

"Oh?" I said.

"He asked me who is my speaking teacher."

"Hm," I said.

"I said 'Kevin is my teacher.' He said, 'Big Kevin?'"

I had a sinking feeling. My student continued:

"I said, 'No—cute Kevin!'"

I smiled hollowly. The damage had already been done.

"'Big Kevin,'" I repeated, grinning and nodding absently in defeat.

"Don't worry," said my student in a reassuring tone: "My friend is big, too."


_