[He's momentarily surprised that Squall actually stayed behind, but pleased, insomuch as he can be. It's so weird, taking this teacher thing to heart. Luckily for the teen's sake, he'd rather not make this anymore awkward than it has to be so he gets right to the point.]

I've seen that look before. Friends of mine who came back from deployment wore it like a mask.

Listen- [He checks his roster] -Squall. I'm not here to tell you to 'Keep your chin up' and I make a pretty crappy guidance counselor, but...talk to someone, all right?