II: Influences — Chapter 6

Summary

• In 1996, Sadie arrived at Marx's apartment to find both Marx and Sam gone. When Marx returned, he reported not seeing Sam either, leading to worries about his location as Sam had no means of communication and his last digital footprint was his email activity early that morning.
• They brainstorm to figure out where Sam might be, but no solutions present themselves. Marx eventually starts playing "Ichigo: A Child of the Sea" while Sadie decides to look for Sam at their usual hangout spots.
• Despite checking everywhere they typically went, from bookstores to restaurants, Sadie can't find him. The idea that Sam might be dead or in danger crosses her mind, causing distress as she considers the deep bond they share.
• Returning to the apartment with no luck, Sadie worries something terrible might have happened to Sam. Marx reassures her, sharing his experience as Sam's long-time roommate and citing previous incidents where Sam would keep his woes secret.
• Sam calls the apartment while Sadie is sleeping and reveals that he broke his ankle, resulting in emergency surgery and a hospital stay. Sadie finds comfort in his call, expressing her relief and threatening to kill him if he pulls a stunt like this again.
• When Sadie and Marx visit Sam in the hospital, they celebrate wrapping up the development of their game, "Ichigo: A Child of the Sea". Despite his injuries, they continue to refine the game, aiming to present it to Dov for potential publishing.
• Sadie's encounter with Dov takes a dark turn as he makes her strip and handcuffs her to the bed, saying he doesn't want her to leave until he finishes playing "Ichigo". Despite her discomfort and disorientation, Sadie stays until Dov finishes playing the game.
• Dov's reaction to "Ichigo" is overwhelmingly positive, resulting in a touching moment shared between him and Sadie. He plans to talk to Sam and Marx and expresses excitement about the possible financial success of the game.