Scar tissue had developed a knot on the bottom of his foot, indicating a previous injury. Despite inspecting the writing often, he noticed that the scar had cut through the small lettering that read "PROPERTY OF THE ALACRÁN ESTATE," making the words harder to read.
He found it increasingly difficult to decipher the inscription as the scar and healing process obscured the original text. This physical change on his foot symbolized the damage and passage of time affecting the mark of ownership or identity associated with the estate.