In John Scalzi's novel "Lock In," a character's mother humorously refers to the family's trophy room as the "vet's office," highlighting how it serves as a place where individuals are metaphorically stripped of their confidence or competitive spirit. This comparison suggests that the trophy room is a site of dominance where victories are celebrated, but it also carries a sense of humor about the futility of competition.

This remark reflects a deeper commentary on societal expectations and the harshness of rivalry, indicating that even in success, there is an underlying pain. By calling it the "vet's office," the mother acknowledges that while trophies represent achievements, they can also symbolize the sacrifice of losing individuals in the pursuit of winning.