Kenny gently rested his hand over Dawn’s, his touch steady and warm despite the tension radiating off her. “A clutcher,” he repeated with a grin. “Someone who balls up their fists so tight when they’re nervous that it makes things worse. Like, right now—you’re squeezing me so hard I might need a checkup next.”

Dawn gasped, immediately pulling her hand back. “I—I didn’t mean to!” she stammered, her cheeks flushing pink.

Kenny laughed softly, shaking his head. “It’s okay, Dee Dee. It’s just nerves, and it’s totally normal. But if you want this to hurt less, we need to keep those muscles nice and relaxed. Deal?”

Dawn nodded timidly. “D-Deal.”

“Good girl.” Kenny placed her hand back on the table, his thumb gliding over her wrist in soothing circles. “Alright, I’m gonna walk you through everything step by step, okay? No surprises.”

Dawn nodded again, though her breathing was shallow and her fingers still trembled.

Kenny reached for the syringe, his movements slow and deliberate. “Okay, so here’s what we’re doing. First, I’ll clean the area with this little alcohol wipe. It’s cold, but that’s it—just cold.”

Dawn flinched slightly when the wipe brushed against her skin, but Kenny gave her a reassuring smile. “See? Easy peasy. Now, the next part is where you might feel a tiny pinch, but I’m right here the whole time. Remember, Dee Dee—breathe with me.”

She tried to focus on his face, his calming voice, and the gentle way he held her arm. But the sight of the syringe glinting in the light made her panic skyrocket.

“Wait—wait!” Dawn cried, her voice rising. “Kenny, I—I don’t think I can do this!”

“Hey, hey, it’s okay,” Kenny said quickly, setting the syringe down and cupping her face with both hands. “Look at me, Dee Dee. Just me. You’ve got this, alright? I won’t let anything bad happen. Ever.”

Dawn’s breathing hitched, her eyes darting between him and the tray. “But… but what if it hurts? What if something goes wrong? What if—”

Kenny pressed his forehead lightly against hers. “Dawn, listen to me. Nothing is going to go wrong. And if it hurts even a little, you tell me, and I’ll fix it. Deal?”

Tears welled up in her eyes as she nodded, gripping his arm so tightly her knuckles turned white.

Kenny chuckled softly. “Okay, Dee Dee. You might want to ease up on my arm, though. I think you’re cutting off circulation.”

Dawn let out a shaky laugh, loosening her grip just enough. “S-Sorry…”

“It’s okay.” He gave her a warm smile. “Now, here we go. I’m going to count to three. And when I do, just keep holding my arm. Focus on my voice, alright?”

“Okay,” she whispered, still trembling.

“One…” Kenny’s voice was steady and calm as he gently pinched her arm to distract from the sensation.

“Two…” Dawn’s grip tightened, and tears spilled down her cheeks.

“Three!” Kenny slid the needle in smoothly, his hand steady as he administered the shot.

Dawn let out a choked sob, burying her face into his sleeve as the tears flowed freely. “I-I can’t do it, Kenny! I can’t—”

“It’s already done,” Kenny interrupted softly, pulling the syringe away and pressing a cotton ball to the site. “See? You did it, Dee Dee.”

Dawn blinked, her tear-streaked face peeking out from behind his arm. “W-Wait… that was it?”

“That was it,” Kenny confirmed, securing the blue bandaid over the injection site. “You’re all done, champ.”

Dawn stared at him in disbelief, then at her arm. “I… I thought it would hurt more.”

Kenny grinned, ruffling her hair affectionately. “That’s the magic of a relaxed arm—and a pretty awesome doctor, if I do say so myself.”

Dawn laughed through her tears, finally letting go of his arm. “You’re so full of yourself.”

“Only because you make it so easy,” Kenny teased, wiping her cheeks with a tissue. “Now, how about we get out of here and grab some ice cream? You’ve more than earned it.”

Dawn smiled, her heart feeling lighter than it had all day. “Thanks, Kenny. For everything.”

“Anytime, Dee Dee,” he said, offering his hand. “Let’s get out of here.”

As they walked out together, Dawn couldn’t help but feel a little braver, knowing Kenny would always be there to hold her hand.