Wind in the Willows vibes.

Kenneth Grahame knew more about suffering and what makes a good life more than anyone. He also saw the dangerous allure of capital and industrialization through Toad.

I would give anything to spend my days boating up and down the river while taking breaks for picnics in the fields with Water Rat and Mole.

I am utterly convinced Wind in the Willows is not actually children’s literature at all. Especially with the chapter with the Southern Rat, with whom Water Rat becomes entranced with his life in Spain, and wants to follow, only being held back by his friend Mole, who does not want to lose him. Grahame knew so much pain, and he likely similarly wanted to run away to a different, more fanciful life.

We are, all of us, Water Rat and Mole, and those of us who have issues, we can only hope to grow and become better people, like the reformed Toad. We all need a Badger to help us fend off the various weasels, stoats, and ferrets who would take all from us.

And all of us need the help of the Piper at the Gates of Dawn, for we are all lost woodland creatures.