sorry for long reply chain. able to use items now in a brand new save using the calm mode. prior save was in easy and it started occuring at the bookshelf in the room with the three doors that lead to long puzzles. in my new save i didnt actually save until i reached that room again, so issue could have been with something i did before or with the mode. dunno, figured id give info to possibly help tho. the game is rlly fun and im v intrigued so ill do whatever to complete it lol~