VIII: Our Infinite Days — Chapter 3

Summary

• The chapter revolves around issues and conflicts around the upcoming release of an expansion pack called the Master of the Revels for an existing game. This is happening a year after the original game release.
• Work on the project is slow due to the unavailability of Sadie, who is going through personal issues and is largely unreachable. Her unresponsiveness is upsetting Sam. However, Mori, who is heading the project, is reluctant to proceed without Sadie.
• Sam attempts to get Sadie back involved in the project work. They plan a joint speech to their returning employees but it falls through as Sadie struggles with her pregnancy, including severe nausea.
• Sadie requests to start her maternity leave early and promises to supervise team discussions remotely. However, this arrangement proves ineffective as Sadie fails to respond to Sam's calls and messages. Sam becomes frustrated and sees the need for Sadie's active participation in the work.
• Sam visits Sadie's home in an attempt to convince her to work on the expansion pack. He suggests that she could direct the project while he could oversee. However, this interaction leads to an intense argument and Sadie breaks down.
• Despite their fallout, Sadie starts working from home, gets involved with Mori, and the expansion pack is completed a week before Sadie gives birth. The release goes as scheduled.
• Though Sam hears the game is good, he can't bring himself to play it for several months due to the personal conflicts surrounding its release.