看得眼泪汪汪的. I had the SAME experience as you

with a little chick! I was in grade 4,he was weeks old when mom brought it home. I looked at his innocent eyes and it just brought out all my motherly instincts. I fed him rice and leaves everyday, on some cold days, I even fed him warm cooked rice. He was like a baby to me. Turned out, it's a boy. Heard my parents talking about cooking him, I cried. I stopped them many times but was constantly worried about his safety. It was a relief to see him safe and sound after school. Then one Sunday afternoon, I was awaken by his loud cry. I cried and screamed. Of course I refused to eat. I was disheartened for weeks followed. I hated my parents for a long time, so much that they actually regretted. I swore that when I become a parent, I will never let my kids go through any heartbreaks like this. 我最终未能“保护”好牠们, I feel you!
My home was in Luwan, off Huaihai Rd, similar layout as yours. reading your post brought out so many of my emotions, didn't know they are still there in my memory so clearly. Thanks for sharing! And I miss my old Shanghai, where I have strong sense of belongs.