But the river was winding, and the paths twisted through clusters of flowers and shrubs, diverging with considerable gaps between them. Gradually, the trails branched off in different directions.

Van enjoyed rowing in this quiet waterway, a habit formed during his time at Cambridge. Back then, he often retreated to such serene rivers to avoid interruptions. The surrounding woods now concealed the small waterway, flanked by overgrown plants and softening soil under the ...