Neal sombers when Doc mentions his friend's difficulties. It's not hard to imagine what this place can do to a person, given the things Neal is learning. He doesn't want to think about how he's going to handle it if they don't get home soon.

"I've never been a small town kind of guy. Always liked it better where you can lose yourself without getting lost." There's absolutely unmistakable fondness in his face and voice. "New York City's one of the best places in the world for that kind of thing."