Kenny crouched down in front of Dawn, his Auburn hair brushing his forehead as he met her tearful gaze. His voice was soft and steady, like a warm blanket wrapping around her.

"Dee Dee, listen to me. I know you're scared, but I need you to trust me, okay?"

Dawn sniffled, clutching her fingers tightly. "I do trust you, Kenny, but it always hurts. Every single time."

Kenny reached out and gently pried her clenched hands apart, holding them in his own. Her fingers trembled in his grasp. "I think I know why, Dawn," he said thoughtfully, his tone kind and understanding.

She blinked, her tears threatening to spill. "Why?"

"You’re tensing up too much," Kenny explained, his thumbs gently rubbing circles on the backs of her hands. "When you tense your muscles, it makes it harder for the needle to go in smoothly. That’s why it hurts more. If you can relax, even just a little, it won’t be as bad. I promise."

Dawn shook her head, her voice shaky. "But I can’t relax, Kenny. It’s... it’s scary. I can’t help it."

Kenny nodded, not dismissing her fears. "I get that, Dee Dee. It’s okay to be scared. But let’s try something, alright? We’ll take it one step at a time, together. I’m here for you."

Her watery eyes searched his face, looking for reassurance. She found it in his warm smile and steady gaze. "Okay," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

"Good girl," Kenny said softly, giving her hands a reassuring squeeze before standing up. He pulled a stool over and sat in front of her, their eyes level. "Alright, first thing’s first. Let’s try loosening those fingers of yours. I’ll help."

He placed his hands over hers again and gently encouraged her to open her fists. Her fingers trembled as they unclenched, and she bit her lip, her heart pounding.

"That’s it, Dee Dee. You’re doing great," Kenny praised, his voice calm and steady. "Now take a deep breath with me, okay? In... and out."

Dawn hesitated but followed his lead. Her breaths were shaky at first, but Kenny didn’t rush her. He guided her through a few more until they were even.

"See? That’s not so bad, is it?" Kenny asked with a small grin.

Dawn shook her head, a faint blush on her cheeks. "It’s... okay, I guess."

Kenny chuckled. "You’re tougher than you think, Dawn. Let’s keep going. I’m going to clean your arm now, alright? Just focus on breathing and keep those muscles loose."

She nodded, her hands gripping the edge of the green examination table. Kenny grabbed a small alcohol wipe from the tray and gently swabbed her arm, his movements careful and precise.

"Still with me, Dee Dee?" he asked, glancing up.

"Yeah," she mumbled, her voice small but steady.

"Good," Kenny said, setting the wipe aside. "Now, here comes the tricky part. Remember, deep breaths and relax your arm as much as you can. I’ll go slow, and if it’s too much, just say the word. We’ll stop."

Dawn swallowed hard, her whole body trembling. "Okay," she whispered, squeezing her eyes shut.

Kenny held her arm gently, his touch firm but reassuring. "You’ve got this, Dee Dee. I’m right here."

The needle came closer, and Dawn flinched instinctively. Kenny paused, his voice soft. "Breathe, Dawn. You’re safe. I won’t let anything hurt you."

She exhaled shakily, her arm trembling less as she tried to relax. Kenny worked quickly, the needle slipping in with minimal resistance.

"Done," he announced a moment later, his tone light and cheerful. "See? That wasn’t so bad, was it?"

Dawn opened her eyes, her face pale but her expression more relaxed. "It didn’t hurt as much..."

"Because you listened to me," Kenny teased, giving her a playful wink as he applied the blue bandage.

Dawn managed a small smile, her fingers finally unclenching. "Thanks, Kenny."

He kissed her forehead gently, his gloves still on. "Anytime, Dee Dee. You’re my favorite patient, after all."

Dawn chuckled softly, her nerves finally starting to fade. "I better be."

"You always will be," Kenny promised, packing up the tray with a satisfied smile.