Well, there's a fine line between encouraging your kids to try new things and explore their worlds and letting them run wild. I think the parents in this case took stepped waaaay over that line!
Oh, I remember the drive to the vet when we had to put down our Basset Hound. It was a rough ride going there ... and coming back without her. We couldn't go back to the same vet because we're always reminded of the time we had to go there to put our dog to sleep.
wait for it ...
wait for it ...
catching up to do!
You seem to know a lot about sci-fi books - maybe you can take a look at this list and tell me which one is your favorite.