How is Eddie different? What can he do that he hadn't been able to do for years?

Eddie could walk without a cane.

But now there was no cane, so Eddie exhaled and tried to pull himself up. Surprisingly, his back did not hurt. His leg did not throb. He yanked harder and hoisted himself easily over the edge of the teacup, landing awkwardly on the ground, where he was struck by three quick thoughts. First, he felt wonderful.

Second, he was all alone.

Third, he was still on Ruby Pier.