Kenny’s face softened as he crouched down to Dawn’s eye level, gently cupping her trembling hand in both of his gloved ones. “Dee Dee,” he began, his voice calm and soothing, “I know you’re scared, but listen to me, okay? It’s not supposed to hurt as much as you think. I promise.”

Dawn sniffled, her watery gaze meeting his. “But it always does. Every single time. They say it won’t, but then it does, and I just—I can’t.” Her voice cracked, and a tear slipped down her cheek.

Kenny reached up to gently wipe it away with his thumb. “Hey, hey. No tears, alright? We’re gonna figure this out together.” He squeezed her hand reassuringly. “Can you trust me on that?”

She hesitated, then nodded shakily. “Okay.”

“Good girl,” Kenny murmured, smiling warmly at her. “Now, let’s talk this through. Tell me exactly what happens when you get a shot. Do you clench your hand or keep it relaxed?”

Dawn blinked at him, confused. “What do you mean?”

Kenny pulled a stool over and sat beside her, resting her hand gently on his knee. “When they give you the needle, do you tense up your arm or make a fist?”

She thought about it for a moment. “I… I think I clench my fist. It’s just—instinct, I guess. I’m scared, and it feels like I have to hold onto something.”

Kenny nodded, his expression understanding. “That’s exactly it, Dee Dee. When you clench your fist or tighten your muscles, it makes it harder for the needle to go in smoothly. That’s why it hurts more.”

Dawn’s eyes widened slightly. “Really? I didn’t know that…”

“Most people don’t,” Kenny said gently. “But that’s why I’m here. If you keep your hand and arm relaxed, it makes a big difference. Trust me, it’ll hurt a lot less. And I’ll help you through it, okay?”

Dawn bit her lip, her fingers curling slightly into his. “But what if I can’t relax? What if I mess it up?”

Kenny chuckled softly and gave her hand a light squeeze. “You won’t mess it up. I’m going to guide you every step of the way. We’ll do this together. Here, let’s practice.”

He took her hand and placed it flat on his palm, his fingers brushing lightly against hers. “Alright, let your hand go completely limp. Like this.” He demonstrated by letting his own hand flop loosely.

Dawn tried to mimic him, though her fingers still twitched nervously.

“Almost there,” Kenny said encouragingly. He brought his other hand up and massaged her palm gently with his thumb. “Breathe with me. In… and out. In… and out.”

As she followed his steady rhythm, Dawn felt her tension begin to melt away. Her hand relaxed in his grip, and her breathing steadied.

“There you go,” Kenny said, his smile brightening. “Perfect. See? You can do this, Dee Dee.”

She glanced at him, the corners of her mouth tugging into a hesitant smile. “You make it sound so easy.”

“Because it is,” Kenny teased, tapping her nose lightly. “And you’re tougher than you think. Now, are you ready to try for real?”

Dawn swallowed but nodded. “I think so.”

“Good. Remember, keep your arm loose, and I’ll be right here the whole time.” Kenny stood, retrieving the syringe from the tray. He came back to her side, holding her hand once more. “Okay, I’m going to clean the spot first. Just a little alcohol swab, nice and cool.”

Dawn flinched slightly at the chill of the swab but didn’t pull away. Kenny rubbed the area on her arm with practiced ease.

“Alright,” he said softly, his eyes never leaving hers. “Now, deep breath in. Hold it… and out.”

As she exhaled, Kenny swiftly and smoothly inserted the needle.

“That’s it,” he murmured, his hand still holding hers. “It’s already done, Dee Dee. See? No big deal.”

Dawn blinked, looking down at her arm in surprise. “That’s… it? It didn’t even hurt that much.”

Kenny grinned as he placed the blue bandaid on her arm. “Told you. Relaxation is the secret. And you, Dee Dee, aced it.”

Dawn’s cheeks turned pink as she gave him a sheepish smile. “Thanks, Kenny. For everything.”

“Always,” he replied, pressing a kiss to her forehead. “Now, how about we grab some ice cream to celebrate? My treat.”

Dawn laughed softly, her heart feeling lighter. “You know what? That sounds perfect.”