Kenny laughed softly, his warm chuckle breaking through Dawn's nerves. "A clutcher, Dee Dee. It means when you're nervous, you clench your muscles—like right now, see?" He gestured to her hand gripping his arm so tightly it left little crescents in his sleeve.

Dawn’s face flushed, and she quickly let go. "S-Sorry, Kenny. I didn’t mean to—"

"Hey, hey," Kenny interrupted, gently taking her hand in his. "No need to apologize. It’s natural. But if you keep tensing up, it’s gonna hurt more than it has to. Let me show you something, okay?"

Dawn gave a small nod, though her lips trembled.

Kenny rubbed slow circles into her palm with his thumb, his voice soft. "This helps relax the muscles. See? No clutching, no extra pain. Just trust me on this."

She gave a shaky laugh. "I’ll try…"

"That’s all I ask," Kenny said with a grin. He turned to the tray, picking up the syringe. "Alright, Dee Dee, you’re gonna feel a little pinch, but it’ll be over before you know it. Ready?"

The moment the glint of the needle caught Dawn’s eye, all rational thought flew out the window. Her breath hitched, and she grabbed onto Kenny’s arm with both hands, clinging to him like a lifeline.

"Kenny, no, no, no, I can’t!" she cried, her voice breaking into panicked sobs.

"Whoa, hey, hey!" Kenny set the syringe back on the tray and turned to her fully. "Dee Dee, breathe. Look at me."

But Dawn was beyond reason, her head shaking frantically as tears streamed down her cheeks. "I can’t do it! It’s going to hurt so much! I-I’ll mess it up, and it’ll go wrong! Kenny, please don’t make me!"

Kenny’s heart ached at the sight of her, trembling and sobbing like a child. He carefully sat on the examination table beside her, wrapping an arm around her shoulders.

"Dawn," he said gently, his tone firm yet kind. "Listen to me. You’re okay. Nothing bad is going to happen. You’re safe, I promise."

She buried her face in his arm, her sobs muffled. "But what if it does? What if I mess up and—"

"You won’t mess up," Kenny interrupted, stroking her back soothingly. "You know why? Because I’m here. I’ve got you, Dee Dee. I’ll guide you through every step."

Dawn sniffled, peeking up at him with red, tear-streaked eyes. "Really?"

"Really," Kenny said, wiping her tears with his thumb. "And if it hurts, even just a little, I’ll stop right away. Deal?"

She hesitated but finally gave the smallest nod. "Deal…"

Kenny smiled, gently adjusting her position so her arm rested on his lap. "Alright. Deep breath for me, okay? In through your nose…"

Dawn tried to mimic him, inhaling shakily.

"And out through your mouth. Good girl." Kenny grabbed the syringe again, keeping his movements slow and deliberate. "Now keep breathing, Dee Dee. Just like that."

Dawn’s grip on his sleeve tightened as she looked away, tears still threatening to spill over. But this time, she followed his breathing, her muscles trembling but slowly loosening under his touch.

"Here we go," Kenny murmured, slipping the needle into her arm with practiced ease.

Dawn flinched but didn’t scream. The pinch was brief, and before she knew it, Kenny had already removed the needle and pressed a cotton ball over the spot.

"All done," he said, securing the blue bandaid over the tiny mark.

Dawn blinked in surprise, her tears halting. "Wait… that’s it?"

Kenny grinned. "That’s it, Dee Dee. You did amazing."

A small, sheepish smile crept onto her face as she wiped her cheeks. "I-I was such a mess…"

"You were brave," Kenny corrected, giving her shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "Facing something you’re scared of takes real courage."

Dawn looked down at the bandaid, then up at Kenny. Her lips wobbled, but this time it was a grateful smile that broke through. "Thanks, Kenny… for everything."

He ruffled her hair with a playful chuckle. "Anytime, Dee Dee. Now, how about we celebrate with a milkshake? Doctor’s treat."

She giggled softly, sliding off the table. "You always know how to cheer me up."

"That’s what I’m here for," Kenny said, leading her out of the room, her hand still held firmly in his. And for the first time that day, Dawn’s heart felt steady.