The passage describes a scene where a woman affectionately pats a man's hand, which illustrates the physical wear and life experiences marked upon him. His hand is depicted with vivid imagery that suggests strength and endurance, showing the passage of time through its scars and signs. This tactile connection between them evokes a sense of intimacy and shared history.

The reference to the hand as a map implies that one’s life story is written on their body, suggesting that it carries a deep understanding of both the individual and the world around him. McCarthy’s language evokes the idea of life's journey filled with divine signs, hinting at the interplay between individual experiences and the larger landscape of existence, creating a profound connection between the personal and the universal.