There were a few other moves of his father's he could do without as well - the sucker punches, the ruffling of the hair, the way of pronouncing the word son, in a slightly deeper voice. This hearty way of talking was getting worse, as if his father were auditioning for the role of Dad, but without much hope.
The narrator reflects on his father's quirks and behaviors that he wishes to avoid, such as playful yet aggressive gestures like sucker punches and ruffling his hair. He also notes the peculiar way his father insists on using the word "son" with an exaggerated tone, which feels awkward and forced. This performance seems to reflect his father's struggle to connect authentically with him.
This description highlights a sense of discomfort and alienation in their relationship. The father's attempts to embody the role of a nurturing dad seem misguided, creating a chasm instead of building a bond. The narrator's observations suggest a longing for a genuine connection, contrasting with his father's clumsy efforts to express affection.
