Oh that didn't even crossed my mind, and yeah I agree about changing it to make the players be always be able to pick items, which is just a simple action and doesn't really need the extra layer. Tho if you prefer it to be this way, just let the player know somehow, as it is not something common in other games to be assumed(at least I haven't seen it).
And the game itself, the setting and the environment looks unique to me and I believe the idea is worth polishing. Here's some suggestions from me: Add more mechanics (but don't make it noisy), add objectives which get harder as the game progresses, and add some more NPCs, for teaching the player different mechanics(and also quests).
I'd be happy to see more from your game in the future.