Bob hated going to the dentist. His palms got sweaty just thinking about it. But today, he had no choice. His tooth had been aching for weeks, and his wife, Sarah, had booked the appointment. “It’s just a check-up,” she said. “Stop being a baby.”

Bob arrived at Dr. Smith’s surgery early. The waiting room smelled like mint and cleaning products. He sat down and picked up a magazine, but he couldn’t focus. His heart was racing.

“Mr. Thompson?” the receptionist called. Bob stood up. “That’s me.”

She smiled. “Room two, please. Dr. Smith is ready.”

Bob walked in and sat in the big chair. Dr. Smith, a tall man with glasses, entered with a nurse. “Hello, Mr. Thompson. Ready for your root canal?”

Bob’s eyes widened. “Root canal? No, it’s just a check-up!”

Dr. Smith checked his notes. “Says here it’s a root canal on tooth number 19. Don’t worry, it’ll be quick.”

Bob panicked. “But I don’t need that! It’s only a little pain. Maybe it’s nothing!”

The nurse prepared tools that looked scary – needles, drills, and clamps. Bob’s mind raced. He imagined the drill buzzing like a angry bee. “Wait! There must be a mistake!”

Dr. Smith laughed. “Everyone says that. Relax, we’ll numb you first.”

Just then, the door burst open. Another man rushed in, red-faced and out of breath. “Sorry I’m late! Traffic was awful. I’m Mr. Thompson – root canal today.”

Bob and the new Mr. Thompson stared at each other. They had the same last name! The receptionist had mixed them up.
Dr. Smith frowned. “Two Mr. Thompsons? Oh dear.”

The nurse checked the computer. “Yes, Bob Thompson for check-up, and Bill Thompson for root canal. I called the wrong one.”

Everyone burst out laughing, except Bob, who was still shaking. “That was close!” he said.

Dr. Smith apologised. “My mistake. Let’s do your check-up now, Bob. And Bill, you wait outside.”

Bob’s check-up was easy – just a small filling needed next time. As he left, he turned to Bill. “Good luck with the root canal. Better you than me!”

Bill grinned. “Thanks. At least now I know what to expect.”

Bob walked out feeling relieved. From then on, he always double-checked his name at appointments. And he never forgot to laugh about the day he almost lost a tooth by mistake.

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Vocabulary Notes

Sweaty
Definition: Sweaty means covered with sweat, often due to nervousness, heat, or physical effort. It’s an adjective describing something that is damp from perspiration.
Example: “His palms got sweaty just thinking about it.” (This shows Bob’s hands becoming damp because he is anxious about visiting the dentist.)
Similar words: Clammy (damp and sticky, often from sweat or cold), moist (slightly wet), perspiring (producing sweat, more formal).

Aching
Definition: Aching refers to a continuous, dull pain in a part of the body. It’s often used as an adjective or verb to describe ongoing discomfort.
Example: “His tooth had been aching for weeks.” (This describes the persistent pain in Bob’s tooth that forces him to see the dentist.)
Similar words: Throbbing (pulsing pain), sore (painful to touch or use), hurting (general term for causing pain).

Panicked
Definition: Panicked means to suddenly feel extreme fear or anxiety, often leading to irrational behaviour. It’s the past tense of the verb “panic.”
Example: “Bob panicked.” (This happens when Bob hears about the root canal and realizes it might not be for him, showing his sudden fear.)
Similar words: Freaked out (informal for becoming very anxious), alarmed (suddenly worried or frightened), terrified (extremely scared).

Burst
Definition: Burst means to open suddenly and forcefully, often with energy or noise. It’s a verb that can describe doors, balloons, or even emotions.
Example: “Just then, the door burst open.” (This describes how the other Mr. Thompson enters the room quickly and dramatically.)
Similar words: Flung (thrown open suddenly), slammed (closed or opened with force and noise), erupted (happened suddenly and intensely, like a volcano).

Relieved
Definition: Relieved means feeling happy and relaxed because something worrying has ended or been avoided. It’s an adjective often used after a tense situation.
Example: “Bob walked out feeling relieved.” (This shows Bob’s sense of ease after the mix-up is resolved and his appointment goes well.)
Similar words: Eased (made less worried), comforted (given reassurance), thankful (grateful that something bad didn’t happen).

Story written by Gemini AI.

Image created by 1min.AI.

CC Music: Drifting at 432 Hz – Unicorn Heads.

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