The reunion between Theo and the painting becomes another source of trouble for him. He engages in violent confrontations with Boris’ mercenaries, who are eager to repossess the masterpiece. A shootout also ensues, which leaves them dead. The involvement of Boris and Theo in the theft of the masterpiece is no longer a secret, and Theo has to hide from the authorities. The confrontation at the café acts as an eye-opener for Theo that The Goldfinch is an important product of art, a product that is worth fighting for. Again, the painting’s history represents the immortality of art. Theo compares himself with the painting and realizes that his life is only a fraction of the masterpiece’s storied history.

As Theo slowly recovers from sleep in the hotel room, he experiences dreams that have ghostly apparitions. Andy’s visit, as well as memories of Theo’s deceased mother, serves to show Theo that the people he has interacted and lived with in the past are no longer significant in his life. He is in trouble, but neither Andy nor Theo’s mother can rescue him. He is alone and has to struggle to redefine his identity and forge a future.