AFTER THE COSTUME PARTY… AFTER DENZEL WASHINGTON LEAVES

He forgot that Andrew had become his friend, and was a dying young man, and that he was feeling feelings about that. He went home and picked up his beautiful new baby, he held his beloved wife in his arms and cried a bit - and he thought about how lucky he was to have such love in his life - and to have a life and a future, he probably thought about how tragic it was that one of the most interesting and passionate people he'd ever met was facing a painful, heartbreaking death at such a young age. It was a beautiful scene. I think we're meant to project whatever our empathy tells us to.

But no, I don't think he forgot an item so much as he just wanted to go back. He almost went back. Maybe to say something to Andrew, maybe to give him a hug. I think that's why when he got home he hugged his family instead (otherwise, why show the viewer that at all?)

Joe was growing as a person, realizing that his prejudices about gay people were faulty - and developing a strong bond with the first openly gay person he'd ever really connected with.

Could be he wanted to squeeze in the witness-prep session he'd wanted to do earlier, in lieu of the stupid opera bit. In real life, the lawyer would have walked over to the stereo and turned it off. Time was precious, and Andy was squandering it with silly music he could have listened to any time. Witness preparation is crucial if you're serious about winning a case.

I think he was kind of concerned Andy was going to die and considered saying like a better goodbye just in case. The opera thing seemed like a dying mans last release of emotion and it probably freaked him out. Plus Andy was looking pretty $hitty