The soft glow of the bedside lamp illuminated the room as Kenny sat in bed, a medical journal resting on his lap. Dawn was curled up beside him, fast asleep, her breathing soft and steady. The day had been long, but he'd finally managed to get her comfortable after their trip to the clinic.

The faint ping of his phone broke the quiet. Kenny sighed, setting the book down as he reached for his phone on the nightstand. The message was from the radiologist.

Radiologist: Hey, Doctor Kenny. Just reviewed the images. It's Dawn's appendix. Early signs of acute appendicitis. I'd recommend scheduling surgery ASAP before it worsens.

Kenny's heart sank. He reread the text twice to make sure he wasn't imagining it. Acute appendicitis? Dawn had seemed uncomfortable, but this?

He glanced down at Dawn, who was peacefully unaware of the situation. A pang of worry gripped him, but he knew panicking wouldn't help. This was his field—he needed to think like a doctor, even if it was someone he loved.

Taking a deep breath, Kenny typed back.

Kenny: Thanks for the heads-up. I’ll make the arrangements first thing in the morning.

The radiologist's reply was quick.

Radiologist: Good call. Let me know if you need me on standby.

Kenny appreciated the support but kept his focus on the immediate next steps. He set his phone down and looked at Dawn again. Her brows furrowed slightly, as if sensing his unease even in sleep.

Gently, he brushed a hand over her hair. "It's okay, Dee Dee," he whispered. "I'll handle this. I promise."

Dawn stirred, mumbling something incoherent before settling back into her dreams.

Kenny leaned back against the headboard, his mind already going over the logistics—hospital prep, consent forms, and how to break the news to Dawn without scaring her.

But for now, he decided to let her rest. There was no need to wake her in the middle of the night. Tomorrow would be a big day, and she’d need all the strength she could get.

Wrapping an arm around her protectively, Kenny whispered to himself, "You’ll be okay, Dee Dee. I’ll make sure of it."

Morning sunlight filtered through the blinds, casting soft patterns across the room. Dawn blinked groggily as she stirred, her eyes landing on Kenny beside her. He was leaning against the headboard, a book in his hand.

She squinted at the title. Appendix Disorders and Surgical Procedures.

A chill ran down her spine. Her mind raced back to yesterday — the strange, sharp pain in her stomach, Kenny's worried expression, the X-ray.

Her heart skipped a beat as a dreadful realization settled in.

The place that hurt?

That was where her appendix was.

Her breathing quickened as her thoughts spiraled.

What if it bursts?
What if they can't operate in time?
What if... what if something goes wrong?

Her imagination spiraled further into every worst-case scenario. Her stomach clenched, not from pain this time, but sheer panic. She barely registered the tightening of her fists or the shallow breaths she was taking.

"Dawn?" Kenny's voice broke through her thoughts, but she didn't respond.

He lowered his book, his brow furrowing. "Dee Dee? You okay?"

Still, no reaction.

Dawn's eyes were wide, staring into space as if she were trapped in a nightmare with her eyes open.

Kenny set the book aside and reached out, gently cupping her face. "Hey, hey, Dawn. Look at me." His voice was calm but firm.

Her gaze flickered to his, glassy and unfocused.

"Good," Kenny whispered, keeping his touch steady. "Breathe with me, okay? In... and out."

He inhaled slowly, demonstrating for her. "Come on, Dee Dee. Follow me."

Dawn struggled, her breath hitching, but Kenny didn’t let go. "You're safe," he assured her. "Nothing bad is happening right now."

Gradually, her breathing steadied, though her eyes were still filled with worry.

"There you go," Kenny encouraged softly. "That's my girl."

Dawn swallowed hard, her voice shaky. "Kenny... it's my appendix, isn't it?"

Kenny sighed, brushing a thumb along her cheek. "Yeah, it is."

Her lip trembled. "Am I gonna... am I gonna be okay?"

He smiled gently. "Yes, Dee Dee. Absolutely. It's early, and we've got it under control. I'm taking you to the hospital today for a routine surgery. Nothing scary, I promise."

"But—"

Kenny cut her off, his tone resolute. "Listen to me, Dawn. I've got this. The surgeons are the best, and I'll be there every second. You're not alone in this, okay?"

Dawn sniffled, leaning into his hand. "You're sure?"

"One hundred percent."

She nodded slowly, still scared but finding comfort in his unwavering confidence.

Kenny pulled her into a hug, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. "You're gonna be just fine, Dee Dee. I've got you."

And for the first time since the realization hit, Dawn let herself believe it.

Later that morning, Kenny was packing a small bag with essentials for their hospital visit while Dawn sat on the couch, looking pale and fidgety.

Her stomach grumbled, but that was the least of her concerns. Dawn's head swayed slightly, and she pressed a hand to her temple.

"Hey," Kenny said gently, catching the movement out of the corner of his eye. He immediately crouched in front of her. "Feeling lightheaded?"

Dawn nodded weakly. "A little... well, more than a little."

Kenny frowned. "I figured this might happen. You always get like this when you skip meals."

"Not my fault," Dawn muttered. "They said no eating or drinking before surgery."

"I know," Kenny said calmly, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "But that means we have to be smart about keeping your blood sugar stable."

He stood up, grabbed his bag, and pulled out a glucose gel packet. "This is gonna taste weird, but it'll help keep you steady without breaking the fasting rule."

Dawn wrinkled her nose. "What's it taste like?"

Kenny grinned. "Imagine really gross candy. But effective."

Dawn gave a faint laugh. "Yay, my favorite."

Kenny tore the packet open and handed it to her. "Small sips, okay? Don't go chugging it."

She squeezed a bit onto her tongue and grimaced. "Ugh, this is terrible."

Kenny chuckled, sitting beside her. "Yeah, but at least you won't pass out on me."

After a few minutes, some color returned to her face. Kenny monitored her closely, his expression serious but composed.

"Feeling better?" he asked.

"A little," Dawn admitted. "Thanks."

"Good." Kenny rested a hand on her shoulder. "I need you in one piece when we get to the hospital, Dee Dee."

Dawn smiled faintly, leaning against him. "You always know how to handle me, huh?"

"Of course," Kenny said with a wink. "It's in my boyfriend-slash-doctor contract."

Dawn rolled her eyes. "Lucky me."

"Exactly." He kissed her temple, his voice soft. "Now, no more worrying. I've got you."

When they arrived at the hospital, the automatic doors whooshed open, and the cool air inside hit Dawn's face. The smell of antiseptic and faint chatter from staff filled the room. Kenny, in his dark blue scrubs, walked confidently, his ID badge clipped to his chest.

Dawn? Not so much.

Her grip on Kenny's arm was like a vice. Her knuckles were white, and Kenny was pretty sure she was cutting off circulation to his left hand.

"Uh, Dee Dee," Kenny said with a strained smile, glancing down at her. "You're gonna snap my arm off if you keep that up."

Dawn didn't respond. Her eyes darted around the waiting area, pupils wide with anxiety.

Kenny softened. "Hey." He leaned closer, his voice gentle. "Look at me, not the hospital."

Dawn’s gaze flickered to him, and she swallowed hard. "I hate this," she whispered. "The smell, the lights, everything."

"I know," Kenny said softly. "But you're not alone, okay? I'm right here. Always."

Her grip didn’t loosen.

Kenny sighed dramatically. "Alright, I guess I'll be a one-armed doctor after this."

That earned a weak chuckle from Dawn. "Sorry..." she muttered, loosening her grip slightly.

"Nah, I can handle it," Kenny teased. "Besides, I like knowing my girl needs me."

Dawn gave him a half-hearted glare. "You're impossible."

"Yup." Kenny grinned. "Now come on, Dee Dee. Let's get this done. I'll be with you every step of the way."

And true to his word, Kenny guided her toward the check-in desk, her hand still gripping his arm—but just a little less tightly this time.

They were led to a small examination room, and the door clicked shut behind them. Kenny stayed close to Dawn, his hand resting gently on her shoulder as she sat on the edge of the bed, still gripping his arm. A few minutes passed before the door opened again, and a doctor entered, a clipboard in hand.

“Doctor Kenny, good to see you,” the doctor greeted, nodding to Kenny before turning to Dawn. “And you must be Dawn. How are you feeling?”

Dawn only gave a faint nod, still pale and looking uneasy.

The doctor cleared his throat, glancing between Kenny and Dawn. "Well, after reviewing the results from the X-ray, we’ve confirmed that Dawn’s appendix is inflamed. It’s best if we go ahead with an appendectomy. We’ll have her prepped for surgery shortly."

Dawn froze, her eyes widening with panic. “S-surgery?!” Her voice wavered with fear as she pulled her knees closer to her chest, staring at the doctor with a horrified look on her face. “But... I don’t want surgery! You’re going to cut me open?!”

Kenny’s face softened instantly, and he knelt down beside her, trying to calm her. "Hey, hey, Dee Dee," he said gently, trying to soothe her. "It’s gonna be okay. I’m right here. You’re not alone in this. The doctor is just explaining everything, but we’ll get through this together."

Dawn’s hands clenched tightly in her lap, her breathing coming in quick, shallow bursts. She looked at Kenny desperately, as if trying to find a way to avoid the surgery. “But I don’t want to! What if something goes wrong? What if—”

Kenny leaned closer, holding her hands gently to stop the tremble. "I understand you're scared, Dee Dee," he said softly, brushing a lock of hair behind her ear. "But this is the best option. They’ve caught it early, and everything will be fine. I promise. It’s a routine procedure. And when it’s over, you’ll feel so much better. You’re going to be okay."

The doctor nodded. "We’ll take good care of her, Doctor Kenny. We’ll make sure she’s comfortable through the entire process."

Dawn still looked uncertain, her eyes darting between Kenny and the doctor. She swallowed hard. "What if it hurts?"

Kenny’s smile was reassuring as he gently squeezed her hands. "They’ll give you medicine to make sure you’re asleep during the surgery, and when you wake up, I’ll be right here. I won’t leave you, okay? Just breathe for me, Dee Dee. Deep breaths."

Dawn nodded weakly, but her face still held a mix of fear and confusion. Kenny could see how much the thought of surgery scared her, and he felt his heart ache for her.

The doctor gave them both a sympathetic look before stepping back, sensing the need for calm. "I’ll leave you two alone for a moment. We’ll prepare everything. Just take your time."

Once the doctor left, Kenny pulled Dawn into a gentle hug, letting her bury her face in his chest. “It’s okay to be scared,” he murmured softly. “But remember, I’m right here. And I’ll be here after, too. You’ve got this, Dee Dee.”

Dawn clung to him, her grip still shaky. "Kenny... please... don’t leave me."

“I’m not going anywhere, I promise.” Kenny tightened his hold, hoping his words could offer some comfort. “You’re not alone in this, Dee Dee. We’re in this together, and I’ll be right by your side through everything.”

Dawn closed her eyes, trying to take in the warmth and safety of his embrace, but her heart was still racing. "Okay... Okay, Kenny. I trust you. Just... stay with me."

"I will," he whispered, brushing his hand through her hair. "Always."