When 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.
Mike
