Eddie's father, who had long held onto resentment and refused to engage with him, was now too weakened to maintain that distance. He gazed at Eddie but could only manage a silent observation, his eyes heavy with uncommunicated feelings. Eddie, feeling the weight of their unresolved past, was at a loss for words, realizing he had little to offer in terms of conversation.
In a moment of vulnerability, Eddie chose to convey his life through a simple gesture, displaying his grease-stained fingertips to his father. This act symbolized his dedication and the manual labor he put into his work, creating a bridge where words failed. It was a poignant expression of his identity that transcended their complicated relationship.