Okay, a "Cider House Rules" Conspiracy Theory (Sort Of)

Alright, hear me out. I’ve watched "The Cider House Rules" like a million times. It’s one of those comfort movies, you know? But I always get hung up on Dr. Larch. I love Michael Caine in the role, of course, but something about him just felt... off. Specifically, his Ether addiction. I think it's more than just a personal vice. It's like he's self-medicating for something HUGE. My theory? Dr. Larch is actually infertile. Think about it. He dedicates his entire life to St. Cloud’s. He performs abortions – which, regardless of your stance, he clearly believes are a necessary evil. And he’s OBSESSED with Homer. He wants Homer to take over, to continue his work, to be his son. But he knows he can't actually have one. The Ether could be coping mechanism for this deep, personal loss. I mean, he's literally surrounded by babies being born, unwanted or not. That's gotta sting. Now, I know this colors things in a really interesting light, right? It explains so much of his manipulation of Homer. It's not just about carrying on a legacy; it's about filling a void. That scene where he forges the letter of recommendation at the end? Heartbreaking, but so telling. He’s willing to do anything to keep Homer where he thinks he belongs. The Ether addiction becomes less random and more of a sad necessity. Maybe I'm reading too much into it, but I can't shake the feeling that this infertility thing is a HUGE subtext that's never explicitly stated... but totally there. Am I crazy? Tell me what you think!