: The situation escalates when Sheldon, paralyzed by his fear of needles and germs, needs the splinter removed. Missy steps up as the "surgeon," searching their parents' room for tools. In a clever nod to her future wit, she uses George Sr.’s whiskey to sterilize tweezers from the board game Operation to successfully perform the "procedure".

As Sheldon grapples with the decision, he begins to see the consequences of his actions. His friends and family are disappointed in him, and Ms. Volek starts to lose her grip on reality.