Kenny sighed as he tucked the blanket tighter around Dawn’s shoulders. She sat on the examination table, her cheeks flushed from the fever, her legs swinging as she avoided his gaze.

“Dawn, what were you thinking?” Kenny asked, his voice a mix of frustration and worry. “It’s freezing outside, and you barely have a coat on. You’re sick!”

“I just wanted to bring you your food,” Dawn mumbled, her blue eyes darting toward the bag sitting on the counter. “I thought you’d be hungry...”

Kenny frowned, crossing his arms. “Dee Dee, I appreciate it, I really do. But I’d rather have you healthy than a burger.”

Dawn pouted, pulling the blanket tighter. “I’m fine, Kenny. You’re just overreacting.”

“Oh really?” Kenny raised an eyebrow and grabbed his stethoscope again. “Let’s see how ‘fine’ you are. Sit still.”

“Kenny—”

“Nope. Sit. Still.”

Dawn sighed but obeyed, letting him place the stethoscope on her chest. She winced at the cold metal but stayed quiet as he listened. Kenny’s brow furrowed as he moved the stethoscope to her back.

“Deep breath in,” he instructed.

Dawn complied, but the wheeze that came with her exhale made Kenny shake his head.

“Uh-huh,” Kenny muttered. “And that doesn’t sound sick to you?”

Dawn looked away, embarrassed. “Maybe a little...”

Kenny rolled his eyes and grabbed a thermometer. “Open up.”

Dawn opened her mouth reluctantly, and Kenny slid the thermometer in. He watched her closely, his worry evident despite his best effort to look calm.

When the thermometer beeped, Kenny pulled it out and frowned at the reading. “101.7°F, Dawn. That’s a fever.”

Dawn slumped in defeat. “Okay, fine. Maybe I’m a little sick.”

“A little?” Kenny put his hands on his hips, trying to look stern, though his voice softened. “You trudged through a snowstorm, and now you’re burning up. What if you’d gotten really hurt out there?”

Dawn’s lip trembled, and tears welled up in her eyes. “I… I just wanted to see you. You’ve been working all day, and I thought you’d be tired and hungry…”

Kenny’s frustration melted instantly, and he sighed, climbing onto the exam table beside her. “Oh, Dawn…”

She sniffled, wiping her eyes with the blanket. “I just wanted to help.”

Kenny wrapped an arm around her shoulders, pulling her close. “I know, Dee Dee. But you don’t have to do everything for me. I don’t want you getting sick or hurt because of me.”

Dawn leaned against him, her tears slowing. “I’m sorry, Kenny.”

Kenny smiled softly, brushing her bangs out of her face. “It’s okay. Just promise me you’ll be more careful next time. Deal?”

“Deal,” she whispered, managing a small smile.

“Good.” Kenny hopped off the table and grabbed a cup of water and some medicine. “Now, take this. And after that, you’re staying here until you feel better. Doctor’s orders.”

Dawn giggled weakly. “You’re so bossy.”

“And you’re so stubborn,” Kenny teased, handing her the medicine. “Guess we make a good team, huh?”

Dawn blushed, taking the medicine and smiling up at him. “Yeah… we do.”