Kenny adjusted the blanket over Dawn’s shoulders, his brow furrowed in concentration. “You’re like a walking snowball,” he muttered, grabbing a clipboard and scribbling something down. “What were you thinking, coming out in this weather?”

Dawn, still trembling slightly, tried to shrug under the blanket. “I… I just wanted to bring you your lunch. You skip it all the time, Kenny!”

Kenny froze mid-note, glancing at her with a look of exasperation. “Skipping lunch is not as bad as you catching pneumonia, Dawn!” He sighed, setting the clipboard down and reaching for his stethoscope. “Okay, let’s start with your heart. Deep breaths.”

Dawn huffed but did as told, puffing out her cheeks dramatically as Kenny placed the stethoscope on her chest. “Is it beating too fast? Am I dying?” she asked, her tone half-joking but her eyes a little wide.

Kenny rolled his eyes, moving the stethoscope to her back. “You’re not dying, Dawn. But you do sound a little wheezy. How long were you outside?”

She fiddled with the edge of the blanket, avoiding his gaze. “…Not long?”

Kenny raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. “Define ‘not long.’”

Dawn mumbled something incomprehensible.

“Dawn.”

“Okay, maybe like… an hour?”

Kenny groaned, pulling back and grabbing the thermometer. “An hour? Are you kidding me? You’re gonna turn into a popsicle!” He popped the thermometer into her mouth before she could argue. “And don’t talk—just sit still.”

Dawn obeyed, looking up at him with wide eyes. She didn’t know Kenny could get this serious.

The thermometer beeped, and Kenny pulled it out, his frown deepening. “101.3°F. You’ve got a fever.”

Dawn blinked. “That’s not that bad, right?”

Kenny crossed his arms, towering over her despite them being the same height. “For someone who just spent an hour in the freezing cold? It’s bad enough!”

She wilted under his glare, tugging the blanket tighter around her. “I just wanted to do something nice…”

Kenny’s stern expression softened immediately. He let out a sigh and crouched so they were eye level. “Dawn, I get it, okay? You wanted to help. But you could’ve gotten really sick—or worse. Next time, just call me or something.”

Dawn’s eyes watered a little, and she sniffled, more from embarrassment than anything. “I just… didn’t want you to be hungry…”

Kenny groaned, his resolve crumbling. “Oh, come on, Dee Dee… Don’t cry.” He grabbed a tissue from the nearby counter and dabbed at her nose clumsily. “I’m not mad, okay? I’m just… worried.”

She gave a small nod, her voice barely above a whisper. “Okay…”

The door creaked open, and the receptionist poked her head in, smiling. “Everything alright in here?”

Kenny looked over his shoulder, blushing slightly. “Yeah, just… dealing with this troublemaker.”

The receptionist chuckled. “She’s lucky to have a doctor who cares so much.”

Kenny turned back to Dawn, his cheeks still pink. “Yeah, well… someone’s gotta keep her out of trouble.” He ruffled her hair lightly. “Now, you’re staying here until I’m sure you’re warmed up and feeling better. Got it?”

Dawn sniffled again but smiled. “Got it. Thanks, Kenny.”

Kenny stood up, grabbing a cup of warm water and handing it to her. “You’re welcome, Dee Dee. But don’t think this means I’m letting you off the hook for being reckless!”

Dawn giggled softly, sipping the water. “Wouldn’t dream of it.”