Thank you! Yeah like I've been saying any autobiographical stuff isn't really what's important, I just really wanted to tell this story.
Yeah someone else in the comments felt like the puzzle was just in it to say there was a puzzle. The original outline had a lot of other story elements that got cut involving stuff going on at a hospital and a bunch of other things, but the barrel puzzle stayed. It was meant to give the player a very brief respite after I dragged them through hell and as a little tribute to the sorts of puzzles in the original ZZT games. Either way, I'm glad the rest of the game resonated with you!