Hmmm. Whatever you say.

[He shrugs--there's still a lingering note of doubt in his voice. It doesn't seem like he's going to be listening to any sort of hopeful speculation.]

If anything, preparing for the worst can't be bad.

[He takes out a wedge of blue cheese, sniffing it and making a face. He then breaks off a piece and nibbles on it cautiously.]

Hmm. For a moldy piece of cheese, this ain't too bad, actually. Salty and crumbly. Want a bite?