英文短篇故事（纽约）507 The Truth About a Tooth

 　　He dreamed that one of his teeth had fallen out. He told his classmate. She said, "In my country, such a dream means a relative is going to die soon." He asked, "Really? Any particular relative?" She said, "Yes. It depends on which tooth falls out." He said, "Well, it was my big front tooth—the right one." She said, "That means your father's going to die soon. The left one means your mother's going to die soon. Your other upper teeth symbolize¹ other relatives." He asked, "Well, what about my lower teeth?" She said, "Your lower teeth tell you how you're going to die. I once dreamed that a particular lower tooth fell out. My grandma told me I was going to die a watery² death." He asked, "Well, what happens if it's not a dream—your tooth actually falls out?" She said, "Nothing. We just bury the tooth."

1 symbolize   

vt.作为...的象征，用符号代表

参考例句：

• Easter eggs symbolize the renewal of life.复活蛋象征新生。
• Dolphins symbolize the breath of life.海豚象征着生命的气息。

2 watery   

adj.有水的，水汪汪的；湿的，湿润的

参考例句：

• In his watery eyes there is an expression of distrust.他那含泪的眼睛流露出惊惶失措的神情。
• Her eyes became watery because of the smoke.因为烟熏，她的双眼变得泪汪汪的。