The game appears to be broken. Items keep reappearing in the game world when I leave rooms and return, even after I have already picked them up. I can collect multiple copies of the same items. Eventually, my inventory becomes full, causing all the items to vanish, and then I can no longer pick up anything. I keep receiving messages stating that I don't have enough space, even when my inventory is empty. As a result, I'm essentially soft-locked because I can't collect items needed to complete objectives.
Sorry about that (and for this late reply!). You're right, the game is broken. The last time this game was updated was on the day of the fall 2022 Stout Game Expo itself, and unfortunately some last-minute changes meant it didn't get the chance to be thoroughly bug-tested, thus the game's current state.
I'll put a warning on the project page so that future potential players have a heads-up beforehand. Sorry again for the soft-locked game, but thank you for giving it a try!