why does eddie feel like a child?

The afterlife is new to Eddie. He feels like a child in a new world. Eddie awakens in a big teacup with his arms and legs dangling over the edges. He recognizes this cup as part of an old ride at Ruby Pier. As Eddie climbs out of the cup, he notices that the sky is continuing to change colors, from shoe-leather brown to deep scarlet. He suddenly realizes that he can move without the aid of his cane; all of the aches and pains that used to plague his every movement are gone. Meanwhile, he is back at the Ruby Pier from his childhood some seventy- five years ago. Eddie attempts to say something but he cannot yet speak.