MikeMWhen I read this chapter I saw a man with signs of PTSD. Most of the time we associate this malady with combat or some sort of violence but PTSD can manifest itself after any traumatic event and the way the news got to Clark of Lana's betrayal certainly could be considered traumatic. By portraying Clark this way it will take some time before he will be ready for any sort of a romantic relationship with Lois. Lois will need to tread lightly for a while.
Very perceptive of you. Clark has suffered a terrible shock, the absolute last thing he expected to have happened to him. After all, he was going to ask this traitorous woman to marry him. Wayne Irig is correct in saying Clark was tossed over like a dented can of corn, that too will play on his self-esteem.
Lois will indeed need to be considerate of his feelings and be very patient with him on a romantic level. Professionally? That shall be a rather different matter.
