Symbolism, Imagery, Allegory
Bailey introduces Tibby to Brian McBrian, a total gaming geek, who is obsessed with a game called Dragon Master. While Bailey is on her deathbed, Brian shows Tibby the thrill of the game—its ups and downs, and the excitement of conquering challenges—and, to her surprise, Tibby enjoys it. For the first time in awhile she is "looking forward to something" (24.21). This is no small feat considering how much Tibby's generally just avoiding things in her life at this point (be sure to read her analysis in the "Characters" section for more on this).
While immersed in the game, Tibby has an epiphany: Happiness is "about stringing together a bunch small pleasures" (24.21). Life is like playing Dragon Master. Sometimes you win, and sometimes you lose, but the joy of it all is in the excitement of playing. Bailey wants Tibby to keep playing until the game is over, just like she did, and Tibby finally get it.