In this introspective piece, the author contemplates the nature of friendships that can fray due to conflicts or misunderstandings. He recounts a personal experience where he lost touch with a friend during a time of anger, only to learn of their sudden passing, which left him with an unresolved sense of grief and regret. This poignant situation highlights the importance of nurturing our relationships with care and sensitivity, as we never know when circumstances may change irrevocably.

The author reflects on the irony of having such few conflicts in life that what he calls anger is more akin to childish tantrums, or 'berrinches.' This experience reinforces the idea that unresolved feelings can linger indefinitely when someone passes away, making it difficult to find closure. The conversation he had with a mutual friend became an outlet for his emotions, as he shared his feelings of love and regret, acknowledging the complexities of reconciling personal feelings in the wake of loss.

Ultimately, the piece serves as a reminder to maintain delicate connectivity in our friendships. The author urges readers to be gentle with their relationships, emphasizing that while conflicts may arise, the bridges can be repaired if we handle them with care, as the ties of friendship can sometimes be precarious and must be valued before it’s too late.