Dawn bit her lip, her wide eyes darting between Kenny’s face and the tools on the tray he had brought. Her fingers clutched the blanket tightly as if it could shield her from what was coming.

"Kenny, I don’t think this is a good idea," she whispered, her voice trembling.

Kenny pulled over a small stool and sat beside her bed, his expression patient but determined. "Dawn, it’s either I help you now, or you wait until the dentist finds out, and trust me, they’re not as nice as me."

Dawn gave him a skeptical look. "Not as nice? You brought tools into my room, Kenny. That’s hardly comforting."

Kenny smirked, holding up a small mirror and a dental pick. "These are basic tools, Dee Dee. I’m not doing surgery here. I’m just going to see if the tooth can be adjusted a bit."

She cringed at the word adjusted. "That sounds horrible."

"Not as horrible as letting it get worse," Kenny countered, setting the tools down and gently taking her hands. "I’m serious, Dawn. If we don’t do this, the pain might get worse. I just want to help you."

Dawn’s shoulders slumped. She hated when Kenny got like this—gentle but firm, leaving her no room to argue. With a reluctant sigh, she let go of the blanket and leaned back against the pillows.

"Fine," she mumbled. "But if you mess up, I’m never forgiving you."

Kenny chuckled. "Noted. Now, open up."

She hesitated for a moment before parting her lips slightly, her eyes squeezed shut.

"That’s not gonna cut it, Dee Dee. Open wide," Kenny instructed, his tone light but insistent.

Dawn groaned but obeyed, opening her mouth wider. Kenny leaned closer, using the small mirror to examine the crooked tooth.

"Ah, there it is," he murmured. "It’s not too bad, honestly. Looks like it’s just shifted a bit from the fall."

Dawn tried to speak but only managed a muffled, "Hrrmph?"

Kenny glanced at her, amused. "Don’t talk, Dee Dee. It’s hard enough to work when you’re this squirmy."

She glared at him but stayed still, her hands gripping the blanket tightly.

"Okay," Kenny said, picking up the dental pick. "This might feel a little weird, but it shouldn’t hurt too much. If it does, squeeze my arm, and I’ll stop. Deal?"

Dawn nodded nervously, her fingers already reaching for his sleeve.

He began gently probing around the tooth, his movements careful and precise. Dawn flinched at the slight pressure but didn’t pull away.

"Almost there," Kenny said soothingly. "You’re doing great, Dee Dee. Just a bit more…"

She whimpered softly, her grip tightening on his arm. Kenny paused and looked at her.

"You okay?" he asked gently.

Dawn opened her eyes briefly, nodding. "Just… get it over with," she muttered.

Kenny smiled. "Brave as always."

With a careful adjustment, he applied a slight amount of pressure to the tooth. Dawn let out a muffled yelp but didn’t move.

"There we go," Kenny said, sitting back and setting the tools down. "All done."

Dawn blinked at him, her hand going to her mouth. "That’s it?"

"That’s it," Kenny confirmed, leaning back with a triumphant grin. "It wasn’t so bad, right?"

Dawn gave him a pointed look. "I feel like I’ve been through a war."

Kenny laughed. "You were a trooper, though. And hey, your tooth’s back in place. No more awkward smiles."

She huffed but couldn’t help a small smile of relief. "Thanks, Kenny. I… I was scared."

He ruffled her hair affectionately. "I know, Dee Dee. But I’ve got your back. Always."

Dawn swatted his hand away, rolling her eyes. "Just don’t bring those tools into my room again, okay?"

"No promises," Kenny teased, picking up the tray. "Now, let’s get you some ice cream. Doctor’s orders."

Dawn giggled softly, the tension finally leaving her shoulders. "You’re impossible."

"And you’re lucky to have me," Kenny said, winking as he walked out of the room.