[ And just like that, it's like someone's flipped a switch. Maybe it's the sound of Dennis struggling to catch his breath that does it - it's a familiar sound, something he's witnessed in person when Dennis broke down over Joe unintentionally pushing him away.
Something he never wanted to be the cause of ever again.
His own breath catches for a second, almost like he's shocked or disgusted or disappointed in himself. He doesn't speak, not right away, but just listens to Dennis breathing. Joe wants to tell him he's okay, walk him through it like he did last time, but - this isn't the same. He's pretty sure Dennis is like ten seconds from hanging up on him anyway, and he wouldn't blame him. ]
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Something he never wanted to be the cause of ever again.
His own breath catches for a second, almost like he's shocked or disgusted or disappointed in himself. He doesn't speak, not right away, but just listens to Dennis breathing. Joe wants to tell him he's okay, walk him through it like he did last time, but - this isn't the same. He's pretty sure Dennis is like ten seconds from hanging up on him anyway, and he wouldn't blame him. ]
—H-hey...