[ A few silent seconds pass, and Sandon exhales slowly before turning back to the table. ]

Let's hope so.

[ He doesn't quite smile, but there's something like it in his eyes -- slightly sheepish, for having brought down the mood again. He clears his throat quietly. ]

But the high schoolers. They're visiting your store often? I'm guessing they must come to ogle the good looking almost-81-year-old gentleman.