Question

maybe this time itll be the same. your mom said theyre not going to do anything much different from usual. but if they do the same as always, hows that going to help? well, you never know. sometimes the unexpected happens. you mean like pulling out a cork? my cousin said. i glanced at him but didnt detect any sarcasm. itll feel different having a new doctor treat you, and sometimes just a slight change in procedure might make all the difference. i wouldnt give up so easily. im not giving up, my cousin said. but you are kind of fed up with it? i guess, he said and sighed. the fear is the worst thing. the pain i imagine is worse than the actual pain. know what i mean? yeah, i know. adapted from blind willow, sleeping woman by haruki murakami. what theme can be supported based off this reading selection? pain is usually temporary, but courage lasts forever. playing baseball can be hazardous to your hearing. the usual is more interesting than the unusual. fear of the unexpected is worse than what really happens.

Explanation:

The text mentions "The fear is the worst thing. The pain I imagine is worse than the actual pain". This directly relates to the idea that fear of the unexpected (imagined pain) is worse than what really happens (actual pain). The other options are not supported by the text. There is no mention of courage lasting forever, playing baseball, or the usual being more interesting than the unusual.

Answer:

Fear of the unexpected is worse than what really happens.