Jack was staring out the window, watching students on the school grounds shuffle by. How could he have missed this? He always thought of Ben as one of the good kids, one he didn't need to worry overly much about.
Jack resisted the urge to pour himself a strong drink, instead intoning: "Enter," with an uncharacteristically low voice. It tended to reflect his mood.
He turned around, facing Ben. "Ben," he said, "how are you?" It sounded quick, rushed, not entirely meant. "Take a seat. Would you like something to drink?"