Kenny chuckled softly, still tracing the veins on Dawn’s arm. "A clutcher," he explained gently. "Someone who gets nervous and tightens up, balling their fists. When your muscles are tense like that, it makes the needle hurt more than it should."

Dawn’s grip on his arm tightened, her nails digging into the fabric of his scrubs. "So… it’s my fault it always hurts?"

Kenny frowned and shook his head, placing his other hand over hers to calm her. "Hey, no. It’s not your fault, Dee Dee. It’s just your body’s way of coping with fear. But now that we know, we can make it easier for you. Trust me, okay?"

Dawn nodded hesitantly, her chest still rising and falling quickly.

"Good girl," Kenny said softly, patting her hand before hopping off the table to grab the syringe.

The moment he turned back, though, Dawn’s eyes widened in panic. "Wait! W-Wait, Kenny!"

He paused, tilting his head. "What’s wrong, Dee Dee?"

Dawn was already clutching her other arm tightly, her breathing growing erratic. "I don’t think I can do this. I-I thought I could, but I—"

Kenny set the syringe down on the tray and walked back to her, crouching slightly to meet her gaze. "Hey, hey, deep breaths. You’re okay."

"I’m not okay," Dawn whimpered, her voice cracking. "I’m going to die. I know it. You’re gonna stab me too hard or… or it’s gonna break off in my arm or—"

"Dawn," Kenny interrupted, his tone firm but still soft. "Look at me."

She hesitated before meeting his eyes, her own swimming with tears.

"None of that is going to happen," he assured her. "I’ve done this a thousand times. I know exactly what I’m doing. And most importantly, I care about you. I’d never hurt you, Dee Dee. Ever."

Her bottom lip trembled, and without thinking, she lunged forward, wrapping her arms tightly around his waist and burying her face into his chest.

Kenny blinked in surprise but quickly softened, wrapping his arms around her in return. "Aw, Dee Dee… you’re safe. I’ve got you."

"I hate this," she mumbled against his scrubs. "I hate needles. I hate shots. I hate everything about this."

"I know," Kenny murmured, rubbing her back soothingly. "But you’re brave, and you’re going to get through this. And you know what? I’ll be with you every step of the way."

Dawn sniffled, pulling back just enough to look at him. "You promise?"

"Cross my heart," Kenny said, drawing an invisible X over his chest.

She hesitated for a moment longer before finally nodding, though her hands still clung to his sleeves.

"Alright," Kenny said, standing back up and grabbing the syringe again. "Let’s do this step by step, okay? First, I’m going to clean your arm. That’s it. No needle yet. Just cleaning."

Dawn nodded shakily, watching as he grabbed an alcohol swab and gently wiped down her arm.

"See? Easy," Kenny said with a small smile.

Dawn didn’t reply, her eyes still glued to the tray where the syringe lay.

"Next," Kenny continued, "I’m going to pinch your skin a little to find the best spot. Again, no needle yet."

She tensed as he pinched her arm gently, but she didn’t pull away.

"Good," Kenny praised. "You’re doing great, Dee Dee."

But then, he reached for the syringe, and Dawn’s resolve crumbled.

"No, no, no!" she cried, grabbing his arm and holding it tightly as tears streamed down her face. "I can’t! I can’t do it, Kenny! Please don’t make me!"

"Whoa, whoa, okay," Kenny said, setting the syringe back down and placing both hands on her shoulders. "It’s okay, Dee Dee. We’re not in a rush. Take a deep breath with me, alright?"

Dawn hiccupped, clutching his arm like a lifeline. "I’m scared."

"I know," Kenny said softly, brushing a strand of hair out of her face. "But you’re stronger than this fear. And I’m right here with you. Let’s try again, together. One step at a time."

Dawn wiped her tears with the back of her hand, nodding slightly. "Okay…"

"Good girl," Kenny said, his voice full of encouragement. He picked up the syringe again, this time holding her free hand with his other.

"Keep looking at me," he instructed, his gaze steady and warm. "Squeeze my hand if you need to, okay?"

She nodded, her grip tightening as he brought the needle closer.

"This is it," Kenny said gently. "A tiny pinch, and it’ll be over before you know it. Ready?"

Dawn whimpered but didn’t pull away, her eyes locked on his.

"Here we go," Kenny murmured, inserting the needle quickly and smoothly.

Dawn gasped, her fingers digging into his arm.

"All done," Kenny announced, withdrawing the needle and pressing a cotton ball against her arm.

"Wait… that’s it?" Dawn asked, her eyes wide with disbelief.

Kenny grinned, securing the blue bandaid over the spot. "That’s it. You were amazing, Dee Dee."

Dawn stared at him, then at her arm, then back at him. Slowly, a sheepish smile spread across her face. "I… I didn’t even feel it."

"See?" Kenny said, ruffling her hair. "Told you it wasn’t so bad."

Dawn laughed softly, her shoulders relaxing for the first time that day. "Thanks, Kenny. For being patient with me."

"Always," he said, pulling her into a quick hug. "Now, let’s go get some ice cream. You earned it."

"Doctor’s orders?" she teased, wiping the last of her tears.

"Doctor’s orders," Kenny confirmed with a wink.