I Know that you are a little concerned if Harriet's parents not quite believing her. But what I don't understand is why? And Why must it be resolved via godly intervention when the situation might resolve on its own?
I dunno I guess I just feel when I try to make some drama it's cheapened to be taken away like this. Its not overly cruel, nobody is dying, and uncomfortable mother is a natural thing.I think it explores an interesting aspect to Harriet's new form. Also no matter how I see it, it feels like her parents are being brainwashed into believing it so the gods have effectively 'kidnapped' her not unlike a cult...
I just want to throw that in to show how close on the edge we are to some unfortunate implications.