Kenny chuckled softly, rubbing her arm to calm her. "A clutcher, Dee Dee. Someone who tenses up and grips things when they’re nervous. It’s no big deal, but it makes the shot hurt more because your muscles are tight."

Dawn blinked, her fingers still gripping his sleeve like a lifeline. "T-then how do I fix it?"

He tilted his head, his voice calm and steady. "Simple. You need to relax. Let your arm go loose and trust me, okay? I promise to go slow, and you won’t feel a thing."

Dawn nodded hesitantly, her breathing uneven. She tried to loosen her grip on his sleeve but failed miserably, her nails digging into the fabric as her anxiety spiked again. Kenny placed his other hand over hers, gently prying her fingers off.

"It’s okay, Dawn," he said softly, placing her hand on her lap. "Let’s try this together. Breathe with me—nice and slow. In… and out."

Dawn followed his lead, her breaths shaky at first but gradually evening out as she focused on Kenny’s calm presence. His gentle encouragement began to ease the weight pressing on her chest.

"See? You’re doing great," Kenny said with a smile. He turned to the tray and prepped the syringe, making sure to keep it out of her line of sight. "Okay, Dee Dee, I’m going to disinfect your arm first. Just a little cold wipe. No needles yet, I promise."

She nodded tightly, watching him closely as he dabbed the alcohol pad on her skin. The cool sensation sent a shiver through her, but she stayed still.

"There we go," Kenny said, tossing the pad into the trash. "Now, this is the important part. Remember, no clenching, okay? I’ll be as gentle as I can."

Dawn tried to focus on his words, but her nerves were spiraling. Her thoughts raced, and before she knew it, her hands shot out, grabbing his arm tightly. Her voice cracked as she stammered, "W-wait! I can’t do this!"

Kenny froze, his expression softening. "Dawn, look at me," he said gently.

Her tear-filled eyes met his, and she shook her head, gripping his arm like a lifeline. "It’s going to hurt, Kenny! I know it will! What if it—what if something goes wrong? What if—"

"Shhh," Kenny interrupted, his voice calm and steady. He placed his free hand on top of hers, anchoring her. "Dee Dee, I’m right here. Nothing’s going to go wrong. I’ve done this a million times, and I’ll make sure it’s over before you know it. Just hold my hand, okay?"

"But I—"

"No buts," he said firmly, yet kindly. "I know it’s scary, but I’m not going to let anything happen to you. Trust me, Dawn. Can you do that?"

She hesitated, her grip on his arm tightening as fresh tears spilled down her cheeks. "I’m scared, Kenny," she whispered.

"I know," he murmured, brushing a strand of hair out of her face. "It’s okay to be scared. You’re brave just for sitting here and trying. But you’re not alone. I’m here, and we’ll get through this together."

Dawn nodded shakily, her breathing still uneven. She shifted her grip from his arm to his hand, clutching it tightly. Kenny gave her a reassuring squeeze.

"Okay," he said, his voice soothing. "I’m going to count to three, and it’ll be over before you know it. Keep your eyes on me, alright?"

She nodded again, her eyes fixed on his.

"One," Kenny said softly, positioning the needle.

Dawn flinched but didn’t look away.

"Two," he continued, his tone calm and steady.

Her grip on his hand tightened as her heart raced.

"And… three."

Dawn barely felt the pinch, but her nerves exploded, and she broke down, sobbing into her free hand. "I-I can’t, Kenny! I can’t!"

Kenny quickly pulled the needle away, already done. He capped it and set it aside before pulling her into a warm hug. "It’s okay, Dee Dee. It’s over. See? You did it."

She sniffled, burying her face into his chest. "I-I did?"

"You did," he confirmed, rubbing her back gently. "And you were amazing."

Dawn pulled back slightly, wiping her eyes. "B-but I cried like a baby."

Kenny chuckled softly, brushing a tear off her cheek. "Crying doesn’t make you any less brave. You faced your fear, and that’s what matters."

Dawn managed a small smile, still clinging to his hand. "Thank you, Kenny. For… everything."

"Always," he said, kissing her forehead. "Now, how about we grab some ice cream on the way home? Doctor’s orders."

Dawn laughed weakly, but the weight in her chest finally began to lift. With Kenny by her side, maybe—just maybe—she could handle anything.