Dawn could feel her teeth chattering. Her fingers were playing with the helm of her dress, and her heart was thumping in her chest, ready to burst. Her nose took in the sharp smell on sanitizer, and she gulped.

" No need to worry, no need to worry." She kept muttering to herself.

But she couldn't stop worrying.

Because what was behind that door.... She dreaded.

She watched kids and adults go in, smiling and coming out... Smiling.

But she couldn't bring herself to do that.

She didn't hear the chatter, everything warping in her brain.

Then, someone stuck their latex glove covered hand to her

She looked up to see her Auburn haired boy.

She had never seen Kenny in blue medical scrubs, and it worried her.

Kenny smiled warmly at her. " Come on, Dee Dee. It's not that bad, I promise."

Dawn took Kenny's hand shakily, and he pulled her up and took her through the doors.

They walked through a large hall, but Dawn didn't notice.

She was too busy looking at the ground, praying something happened so she wouldn't have to do it

" Dawn? Earth to Dawn? Are you okay?"

Dawn's gaze snapped up to Kenny, who was looking back at her concerned.

" No need to worry...." She managed to whisper.

Kenny didn't look convinced, but he didn't question anything.

He took her to a room, and opened the door, pulling her in.

Green walls, green examination table, green everything.

Even the tray was green

The only thing that wasn't green was the bandaid layed on the tray, and that was blue

" Sit up here, Dee Dee." Kenny instructed, patting the table

She slowly crawled on and sat, looking at her fingers.

Kenny threw his gloves away, washed his hands, and took new gloves out, pulling them on his hands.

Then he looked at his girlfriend, who looked like she was ready to cry

" Aw, Dawn...." He muttered, grabbing her hand. " It's just a small needle, I promise. It won't hurt."

Dawn shook her head, tears already forming. " It always hurts, Kenny. No matter what."

Kenny sighed, his heart breaking a little at the sight of her tears. He crouched down so he was eye-level with her, still holding her trembling hand. "Hey, hey, look at me, Dee Dee," he said softly.

Dawn hesitated but eventually met his warm, steady gaze.

"I know it feels scary," Kenny began, his voice gentle and soothing, "but you’re not alone in this. I’m here, okay? I’ll be with you the whole time. If it hurts, you squeeze my hand, and we’ll get through it together."

Dawn sniffled, her free hand wiping at her eyes. "You promise?"

Kenny smiled, reaching up to brush a stray tear off her cheek. "Cross my heart."

She nodded, still unsure but willing to trust him.

Kenny straightened up and turned toward the tray. "Alright, first things first. I’m gonna clean your arm, okay? It might feel a little cold, but it won’t hurt."

Dawn swallowed hard, nodding again. She watched as he grabbed an alcohol swab and gently took her arm, his touch firm but comforting.

"See? Just a little chilly," he murmured, cleaning the area with practiced care.

Dawn’s heart was pounding, her hands gripping the edge of the table. "What’s next?" she whispered.

"Next is the needle," Kenny admitted, turning to prepare it. He glanced over his shoulder and gave her a reassuring smile. "But I’ll be quick. And remember, you can look at me the whole time. You don’t have to watch."

Dawn averted her gaze as he readied the syringe, her fingers clutching tighter to the table. Kenny noticed and placed his gloved hand over hers.

"You’re doing great, Dee Dee," he said softly. "Now, take a deep breath for me, okay?"

She obeyed, inhaling shakily.

"Good. Just like that. Now let it out... Nice and slow."

As she exhaled, Kenny positioned the needle. "Alright, you’re gonna feel a little pinch. Keep breathing, okay?"

Dawn braced herself, squeezing her eyes shut. She felt the briefest sting—then it was over.

"All done," Kenny announced, his tone light and cheerful.

Dawn opened her eyes, surprised. "That’s it?"

Kenny grinned, pressing a cotton ball to her arm and securing it with the blue bandage from the tray. "That’s it. Told you it wouldn’t be so bad."

She stared at him, her fear gradually melting into relief. "It really didn’t hurt that much," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.

"See? You’re stronger than you think," Kenny said, squeezing her hand.

Dawn’s lips curled into a small smile as she looked at the blue bandage on her arm. "Thanks, Kenny."

"Anytime, Dee Dee," he replied, leaning down to press a gentle kiss to her forehead. "Now, how about we get out of here and grab some ice cream? I think you’ve earned it."

Dawn laughed softly, her cheeks warming. "You always know how to make me feel better."

Kenny winked, helping her off the table. "That’s my job, isn’t it?"

And for the first time that day, Dawn felt at ease, her fear replaced by gratitude for the boy who always had her back.