It was the cover, not a page.
We do not know what sentimental value Madeleine attached to that particular colouring book, nor did her parents. I would almost guarantee it would be the only one she had with her as it was probably bought especially for the trip.
They also wrote more than one timeline, so they used both covers...resulting in a ruined colouring book, in a childs eyes.
These people were doctors. They had other writing material. Their friends had other writing material. They spent time re-writing the timeline. Why use the colouring book of a child who may walk in the door at any moment, highly annoyed that her toys had been ruined? It would be akin to ripping the head of cuddle cat.
It is not so much the act itself, as the psychology behind the act, I consider, and this psychology is very, very unnatural...indeed, most parents would have physically spent this particular time (waiting for LE) being outside physically looking, not sitting about rehearsing timelines and defacing their child's toys.
Their actions betray the belief that their daughter is not coming back.
:moo: