[that... wasn't the response Jan expected. she'd been willing to let it go when the joke didn't land. this just got personal instead, a turn of events which throws her. she doesn't know what this guy's brother did. she doesn't know if he wants sympathy for it. she isn't sure she would, in his position. she'd want to try to tough it out in front of all these strangers.

either way, it seems like she stepped in it. whatever this guy's deal is, it seems heavy and recent. imagine getting in a fight with family and getting dragged into all this bullshit before your face is even fixed yet?]

shit dude
sorry bout that

[the bro response might be terribly inadequate, but you go to what you know.]