Kenny crouched down to Dawn’s level, adjusting the blanket snugly around her shoulders as he spoke. "Alright, Dee Dee. Let’s see just how much trouble you’ve gotten yourself into this time."

Dawn pouted, her cheeks flushed—not just from the fever. "I’m fine, Kenny. Really."

Kenny raised an eyebrow, pulling his stethoscope back around his neck. "You sound just like one of my stubborn patients. Deep breath, Dee Dee. In and out."

Reluctantly, Dawn obeyed, inhaling shakily as Kenny pressed the stethoscope to her chest. He frowned slightly, moving it to different spots.

“Hmm,” he muttered, standing up and grabbing his clipboard. "Your breathing’s a little tight. Probably from being out in the cold too long. Let’s check your temperature next."

Dawn sighed dramatically as Kenny picked up the thermometer. "Seriously, Kenny, I’m fine! I don’t need—"

"Open," Kenny interrupted, holding the thermometer up to her mouth.

Her lips formed a thin line, but she complied, grumbling around the device as it took her reading. When it beeped, Kenny glanced at it and frowned.

"101.7°F," he said, crossing his arms. "You’re definitely not fine, Dee Dee."

Dawn winced at the number. "It’s not that bad…"

"Not that bad?" Kenny repeated, his tone sharp but filled with concern. He set the thermometer down and leaned closer, his brown eyes locking with hers. "You walked here in the snow, barely dressed for the weather, and now you have a fever. What were you thinking?"

Dawn’s lower lip trembled, and she looked down at her lap. "I just… I wanted to make sure you had something to eat on your break. You’ve been working so hard, and I thought…"

Her voice trailed off, and Kenny’s expression softened instantly. He sighed, rubbing the back of his neck.

"Dawn…" He crouched again, this time taking her hands in his gloveless ones. "I appreciate what you did. I really do. But I’d rather you stay safe and warm at home than risk getting sick just for me."

Dawn’s eyes glistened with unshed tears, and she sniffled. "I just wanted to help…"

Kenny smiled gently, squeezing her hands. "You help me just by being you, Dee Dee. But next time, let me worry about my own meals, okay?"

She nodded slowly, her lips curling into a small smile.

"Good," Kenny said, standing up. He grabbed a small humidifier from the cabinet and plugged it in nearby. "Now, you’re staying here until I’m sure you’re warmed up and that fever goes down."

Dawn opened her mouth to argue, but Kenny gave her a look that stopped her in her tracks.

"No arguments," he said firmly, placing a cup of warm water in her hands.

As he moved around the room gathering a few supplies, the receptionist peeked in with a knowing smile. "Is she one of your patients now, Dr. Kenny?"

Kenny turned back, his cheeks pink as he glanced at Dawn, who was huddled under the blanket. "Something like that," he muttered.

The receptionist chuckled softly. "You’re always so thorough with her. Must be special."

Kenny didn’t respond, but his ears burned as he returned to Dawn’s side. He gently pressed the back of his hand to her cheek, his voice soft again.

"Let me take care of you this time, Dee Dee. Just rest, okay?"

Dawn nodded, leaning into his touch with a tired smile. "Okay, Kenny. Thank you."

"Always," Kenny murmured, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face. "You’re my top priority, Dawn."