This is a big and amazing compliment. Thank you very much for taking the time to explore it. I understand if you don't feel the theme was there. Admittedly it's not the best use we could have made, so I understand. I'm glad the rest of the experience was so positive!
As for the bug you described, it's actually intended behavior (sorry!). What you encountered were some of the restart conditions. Essentially if you get swept up too much by any of the characters and their hidden agendas, you may find yourself stuck with them until you're ready to move on. It has meaning thematically, but we want to let people explore this journey in whatever way makes sense to them.
Thank you very much for the compliments and I look forward to checking out your entry! Congrats on finishing!