Sadie enters Dov Mizrah’s coveted Advanced Games seminar at MIT, where his confrontational critiques set a high bar. Her first project, EmilyBlaster, a Space Invaders–style poetry shooter, is mocked by classmates but judged “fun” by Dov. The validation emboldens her.

For her second project, Sadie designs Solution, a factory-building puzzler where maximizing points means unknowingly aiding the Third Reich; asking questions lowers scores but preserves morality. Classmate Hannah is outraged and demands discipline, while Dov applauds the provocation and invites Sadie for coffee. Their professional rapport turns into an intense affair and informal apprenticeship.

Months later, Dov reveals he is married and “separated,” which Sadie half-accepts and rationalizes. Around the ten-month mark, Sadie spots Sam in a train station; his Oregon Trail joke draws her back, reopening a connection she’d long avoided. As winter break approaches, Dov warns he’ll be scarce, and Sadie tries to be the cool, unquestioning partner.

While home in Los Angeles, a flashback resurfaces: years earlier, Alice met Sam at the hospital and mentioned Sadie’s timesheet. Sam confronted Sadie by phone, condemned the friendship as charity work, and ended it with a cutting slur. Sadie’s apology note went unread; Freda comforted her, urging gentleness with fragile people.

In January, Dov summons Sadie and ends the relationship, planning to reconcile with his wife in Israel and develop Dead Sea II. They share Thai food, sample Metal Gear Solid, and, despite the breakup, sleep together one last time. Sadie returns to the cold night determined to remain composed, even as she recognizes her own complicity.