VIII: Our Infinite Days — Chapter 2

Summary

• 72 days after the shooting, Simon calls Sam to discuss the future of their office and the game they were working on, in light of Marx's death.
• Marx, who had handled all the practical aspects of running the company, is sorely missed by Sam and Sadie, who were primarily involved in the creative aspects.
• Sam promises Simon that he will discuss the issue with Sadie and provide some answers regarding the company's future by the end of the day.
• When Sam contacts Sadie, her response is dismissive due to her grief and chooses to stay out of company matters.
• Sam realizes he has to assume the leadership role and starts making thoughtful decisions instead of reacting emotionally.
• Sam returns to their office for the first time since the shooting, still grieving for Marx's loss, where he encounters a shrine created by the community in front of their office and Marx's blood seeped into the floor where he was shot.
• Confronted with the grim reality, Sam takes note of practical tasks that need to be done (remove shrine, change locks, etc.) and starts calling contractors, insurance, accountant etc. for the office maintenance and expenses.
• It becomes clear that their business is low on cash due to their building purchase and lack of work in the past few months.
• Sam discovers his office vandalized with destroyed Ichigo game merchandise, which makes him recall the men who attacked their office with intent to kill him.
• Over the phone, Sam discusses with Sadie the idea of moving offices and cleaning or covering Marx's blood-stained floor, but they end up arguing. Sadie suggests he should do whatever he thinks is best.
• Sam receives a phone call from an eager game developer who was working with Marx. Irritated with the game pitch and request for concept art, Sam disconnects her call abruptly.
• Sam continues to work on the office maintenance and recollects Marx's wisdom of making a lasting impression even when you're not physically present, which pushes him to keep their business running until Sadie is ready to return.