The water imagery suggests that the protagonist goes through a baptism.
The concept that Abraham is demonstrating is Code switching. Code switching involves adjusting one's style of speech, appearance, behavior, or expression in ways that will optimize the comfort of others in exchange for fair treatment, quality service, and employment opportunities.
Simply put, code switching when someone changes their language based on who they are with, typically to fit in better with a different group.
The past influences the present what has been lost can be regained.
The answer would be.. “broke down” in tears