That has him glancing toward the students again, humor fading. But while it might be sad, it's not unexpected. Or as awful as it could be.

"I hope no one's told them it gets easier."

Having your friends, your colleagues get killed off, one by one. In this day and age, in this line of work.

He looks back at her just in time for the toast and raises the flask - too late, but the effort was there. "What do you teach, by the way? I don't think I asked last time."