Chris Crawford on Game Design

Chapter 23. Siboot

On Christmas Eve, 1985, I suffered a sad tragedy. While doing some morning chores outside, I spied our cat, Bootsie, whom I had not seen in several days. His absence was no cause for alarm; Bootsie was a bit of a loner and would often take off for several days. This time, however, I noticed something odd about him. Stepping closer to investigate, I perceived with horror that his lower jaw was hanging loosely from his head; something had broken his jaw.

I gathered him up into a basket and dashed off to the veterinarian, who upon examining Bootsie declared his condition hopeless. However, before recommending euthanasia, the vet offered to call a colleague who specialized in such injuries. A few hours later, he called me with ...