Kenny chuckled softly as he rubbed Dawn’s arm. "A clutcher. Someone who gets so nervous they tense up and grip anything nearby for dear life. That's why it always hurts more—your muscles are fighting against the needle."

Dawn blinked at him, her cheeks burning. "I... I didn’t know that."

Kenny smiled reassuringly. "Most people don’t, Dee Dee. But don’t worry. I’ll show you how to keep it from hurting this time. Just trust me, okay?"

Dawn nodded hesitantly, but her hands still fidgeted with the hem of her dress.

Kenny reached over and gently took her hand in his. "Let’s practice. First, breathe with me. In... and out."

Dawn tried to follow his lead, but her breaths were short and shaky.

"Slower, Dee Dee," Kenny encouraged, his tone soft and steady. "Pretend you’re blowing out a candle. Like this—phoooo."

Dawn mimicked him, and her breathing began to even out.

"Good. Now, keep your arm relaxed." Kenny tapped her forearm lightly. "Let it go limp, like a noodle. No tension, okay?"

Dawn nodded, doing her best to relax. "Like this?"

"Exactly," Kenny said, grinning. "You’re a natural. Now, are you ready?"

Dawn froze. Her heart began to race again. "W-What? Now?"

Kenny tilted his head. "We can take a break if you need one, but it’s just a quick shot, Dee Dee. In and out, done in seconds."

She bit her lip, her fingers clutching at his arm instinctively. "O-Okay. I’m ready."

Kenny gave her a warm smile and turned to grab the syringe from the tray. "You’re gonna be fine, Dawn. I promise."

But the moment she saw the needle, all of her newfound composure flew out the window.

"Nope!" Dawn yelped, jerking her arm away. She buried her face in Kenny’s shoulder, her voice trembling. "I can’t! I can’t do it, Kenny!"

Kenny blinked in surprise but quickly set the syringe down and wrapped an arm around her. "Whoa, hey, it’s okay. You’re okay, Dee Dee."

She shook her head, clutching his scrubs tightly. "I’m sorry, Kenny! I’m such a baby!"

"Hey now," Kenny said softly, rubbing her back. "Don’t say that. You’re not a baby. You’re just scared, and that’s okay."

Dawn sniffled, her tears dampening his shoulder. "But I’m acting ridiculous! You’re a doctor! I shouldn’t be this scared!"

Kenny leaned back enough to look into her watery eyes. "Dawn, listen to me. There’s nothing ridiculous about fear. It’s a big deal to you, and that makes it a big deal to me. We’ll go as slow as you need, okay?"

Her bottom lip trembled as she nodded, still clinging to his arm.

"Okay," Kenny said gently, reaching for the syringe again. "Let’s try something different. You can keep holding onto me, and I’ll talk you through it the whole time. Deal?"

"Deal," Dawn whispered, her voice barely audible.

Kenny positioned her arm again, his free hand still comforting her. "Alright, let’s focus on breathing. In… and out. Good. Now, remember to keep your arm relaxed. Noodle arm, okay?"

Dawn gave a shaky nod, her grip on his sleeve tightening as she tried to follow his instructions.

"This is just a little pinch, Dee Dee," Kenny murmured as he brought the needle closer. "You’ve got this. Keep breathing. Almost there…"

The moment the needle touched her skin, Dawn let out a small squeak and buried her face against his chest, sobbing quietly. "Kenny, it hurts!"

"I know, Dee Dee. I know," Kenny said, his voice calm and soothing. "It’s already halfway done. Just a few more seconds."

Dawn clung to him desperately, her tears soaking through his scrubs. "Kenny, I can’t! I can’t!"

"Yes, you can," Kenny reassured her, finishing the injection with practiced speed. "And guess what? You already did."

Dawn blinked, her sobs slowing as she pulled back slightly. "W-What?"

Kenny grinned, holding up the empty syringe. "All done, Dee Dee. You were so brave."

She stared at him in disbelief, then down at her arm, where a tiny blue bandaid now covered the spot. "I… I did it?"

"You did," Kenny said, wiping her tears away with his thumb. "And you did amazing."

A small smile broke through Dawn’s tear-streaked face. "I guess it wasn’t as bad as I thought."

"See? Told ya," Kenny said, ruffling her hair playfully. "And now, the hardest part is over. How about we celebrate with some ice cream? My treat."

Dawn giggled softly, finally relaxing. "Okay. Thanks, Kenny."

"Anytime, Dee Dee," Kenny said, taking her hand and helping her off the table. "You’re my favorite patient, after all."

As they walked out of the room, Dawn felt a little lighter. With Kenny by her side, she realized she could face her fears—one step at a time.