Dawn swallowed hard, her hands trembling slightly in Kenny’s firm but gentle grasp. He let go and gave her a small, encouraging smile before reaching for his tools.

“I’m going to numb the area first,” he said, his tone calm and professional, but still laced with the warmth she knew so well. “It’ll sting a bit, but it’s nothing you can’t handle. You’re tougher than you think, Dee Dee.”

Dawn tightened her grip on the blanket, watching as Kenny prepared the numbing agent. Her heart raced, and she forced herself to focus on his reassuring presence.

“Ready?” he asked softly.

“No,” she muttered, but she opened her mouth anyway.

Kenny chuckled lightly. “That’s my girl.”

The slight pinch of the needle made her flinch, but Kenny’s other hand gently rested on her shoulder, grounding her. “You’re doing great,” he murmured. “Just a little more.”

After a moment, the numbing sensation began to spread, and Dawn sighed shakily.

“See? Not so bad,” Kenny said, setting the syringe aside. He leaned closer, inspecting her tooth. “Now comes the tricky part. Let me know if you feel anything sharp, okay?”

Dawn nodded, her body still tense. Kenny worked with precise movements, using a small tool to adjust the crooked tooth.

“Almost there,” he said after a few minutes. “You’re doing amazing, Dee Dee.”

Dawn didn’t respond, her eyes squeezed shut as she tried to focus on anything but the pressure in her mouth. Kenny’s calm voice was the only thing keeping her grounded.

“Done,” he announced finally, sitting back with a satisfied smile.

Dawn opened her eyes slowly, blinking up at him. “That’s it?” she mumbled, her mouth still numb.

“That’s it,” Kenny confirmed, gently wiping her mouth with a tissue. “You’ll need to avoid hard foods for a couple of days, but everything’s back in place.”

Dawn sagged against the pillows, relief flooding her. “Thanks,” she whispered.

Kenny reached out, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “You don’t have to hide stuff like this from me, Dee Dee. I’m here to help, not to judge.”

She looked away, feeling a bit sheepish. “I just… didn’t want to bother you.”

“You’re never a bother,” he said firmly, taking her hand again. “Promise me, next time something’s wrong, you’ll tell me?”

Dawn hesitated before nodding. “I promise.”

“Good.” Kenny leaned down, pressing a soft kiss to her temple. “Now, let’s get you something soft to eat. Ice cream sound good?”

A small smile crept onto Dawn’s face. “Yeah, that sounds good.”

Kenny grinned. “Knew it. I’ll grab some from the freezer. Be right back.”

As he left the room, Dawn sank into her pillows, her heart lighter than it had been in days. She couldn’t believe how lucky she was to have someone like Kenny—someone who cared enough to not only see through her walls but gently help her tear them down.