The world tilts on its axis again, dangling crookedly. He feels that shortening of his breath, the irregular speed of his heartbeat and the jaws of his insides opening carnivourously. Every little button of his that could be pressed down is stuck, every notch cranked up to the highest setting.

Rage flares up within, the fury hitting him with full force, preventing any possible chance of rational feelings to diffuse through to him.

"Don't be so fucking stupid," he hisses, and there's no resemblance to the usual Joey, not even through his eyes. His features are twisted unattractively and he can practically sense the fear shooting through her veins.

"And God, don't fucking cry. Don't be so goddamn weak."

He hates himself more with every passing moment but he can't stop himself. He's reeling, and there's no way to stop until all the blood has settled again.

"Stop crying!" he thunders, his tone hard and raw.

She tries, but the tears are still pooling up, making her eyes seem larger than usual.

In a moment, a wave of calm ripples through him and his face relaxes. He immediately takes her into a tight embrace, stroking her hair, saying, "I'm sorry, baby. I love you so much. I'm sorry."

She forgives him like she always does, nodding weakly.

He doesn't forgive himself, just pushes the guilt away in some deep, far away pit that he never looks into and kisses her tenderly. The world is right side up again.

It tilts again, the next day, and he wonders how long it'll take for it to completely crash down.