I only read it as an adult and was also struck by its sadness. I appreciate how it touches on fundamental themes - sacrifice, love, growing up, dying, all in on

I only read it as an adult and was also struck by its sadness. I appreciate how it touches on fundamental themes - sacrifice, love, growing up, dying, all in one short story. For me it is also the feeling of nostalgia, having a toy like the rabbit when I was little. It’s probably what helps many people connect with the story, having a favorite toy and then “abandoning” it growing up.