I more read the article as a study of the author's own regret at going back to a place that they no longer understood or felt part of. The line you quote, to me

I more read the article as a study of the author's own regret at going back to a place that they no longer understood or felt part of. The line you quote, to me, just emphasises the author's own feelings of awkwardness and isolation. Also, the photography was amazing (and I'm glad that Photog2 was a character!). It's worth skimming for the photos alone.