Badger Comes to Visit

Toad, being somewhat impulsive himself, was most easily appreciated by others of similar passion.  At times he made the slow and steady crowd feel uncomfortable while the head master types were always displeased (but then, some say 'those people" are born with frowns on their faces.)  Many just felt on edge around Toad,  for you never knew when he was suddenly off on some scheme or other. Unfortunately,  while many thought of Toad fondly (even those nervous about him), Toad often thought himself as unwelcome and unwanted.

Badger had a bit of the impulsive to him (Mrs. HedgeHog was rather cross with Badger for his sharing stories of his youthful indiscretions with the young HedgeHogs), and the impulse to go to hospital having come upon Badger,  off he went,  don't you. Badger had been asked to school Toad up about life in and about the Wood and River, as the Old Toad felt noblesse oblige and wanted his son to understand the responsibilities that the young Toad would someday be assuming.  Young Toad would often have Badger shaking is head, and that was what Badger was doing when he glimpsed Toad on the hospital gurney.

Dr. Williams, immediately hearing word that no one less than Badger was in hospital rushed to greet him.  "Badger! Welcome good sir. Here to surveil our good Toad?"

"Indeed" Badger said.  "Is there any good news?"

"Oh my, yes " and the Doctor was off, rambling on and on with technical this and Latin that. The long and short of it, as Badger would later say to Mrs. HedgeHog (who swallowed her irritation with Badger in order to get news of Toad) was that there had been a machine that was helping Toad to breath and Toad was successfully being weaned from these machines,  which was good news indeed!

But while the Doctor made sure that there was no detail so small as not requiring Badger's consideration, Badger had a good look a Toad,  who perhaps sensing a kindred soul, opened his eyes, nodded at Badger, and made a rather twisted face which was the best one could do for a smile with tubes in one's mouth.

"Aye" said Badger, "I suppose this could slow you down a bit." Toad shook his head and Badger chuckled. "No, I guess not." Toad nodded.  "Well, give it a little rest and then come see me in the Wood and tell me all about it." And Badger thanked Dr. Williams turned and left (which slowed Dr. Williams down not a bit.)