Kenny raised an eyebrow at Dawn’s panicked face, his voice still light and warm. "A clutcher, Dee Dee. Someone who gets nervous and clenches their fists or tenses up. That’s why it always hurts—your muscles tighten, and it makes the needle sting more."

Dawn blinked at him, her grip on his arm tightening further. "So… so I’m the problem?"

Kenny chuckled softly, placing his free hand over hers. "You’re not a problem, Dawn. You’re human. And that’s okay."

She didn’t look convinced, her eyes darting nervously to the tray where the syringe sat, gleaming under the fluorescent light. "I… I don’t think I can do this, Kenny," she whispered, her voice shaking.

Kenny shifted closer, his tone turning serious but still gentle. "Dee Dee, listen to me. You’ve got this. I’ll be right here with you the whole time. And remember, no clutching. I’ll help you relax, okay?"

Dawn nodded weakly, though her hands betrayed her as they balled into fists again.

Kenny sighed playfully, reaching out to uncurl her fingers. "Hey, what did I just say? No clutching."

"I can’t help it!" Dawn protested, her voice breaking.

"You can," Kenny insisted, giving her a reassuring smile. He took her hand in both of his, massaging her palm the way he had before. "Just focus on my voice, okay? Deep breaths. In… and out."

Dawn tried to mimic his calm tone, inhaling shakily and exhaling with a slight whimper.

"That’s it," Kenny encouraged. "Now, I’m going to get the syringe ready. But you don’t have to look, alright? Just keep your eyes on me."

She nodded again, squeezing her eyes shut. But as Kenny moved to the tray, the sound of the needle cap being removed sent her into a spiral.

"Kenny, wait!" she cried, grabbing his arm and clinging to him like a lifeline.

Kenny froze, his eyes wide as he turned back to her. "Dawn, it’s okay. I haven’t even started yet."

"But it’s going to hurt!" she wailed, tears streaming down her cheeks.

Kenny set the syringe down and turned his full attention to her, pulling her into a gentle hug. "Hey, hey, it’s alright. You’re safe, Dee Dee. Nothing’s going to hurt you while I’m here."

Dawn buried her face in his chest, sobbing softly. "I can’t do it, Kenny. I can’t."

Kenny stroked her hair, his voice steady and calm. "Yes, you can. You’re braver than you think, Dawn. And I’ll be right here, holding your hand the whole time."

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

"I promise," he said firmly, wiping her tears with his thumb. "Now, let’s try again, okay? This time, I want you to squeeze my hand instead of your arm. Deal?"

Dawn hesitated but eventually nodded, her fingers trembling as they wrapped around his hand.

"Good," Kenny said, his smile never wavering. He picked up the syringe again, keeping his movements slow and deliberate. "Alright, just keep looking at me. Deep breaths. In… and out."

Dawn tried, her breath hitching as Kenny brought the needle closer.

"It’s just a small pinch," he murmured. "I’ll count to three. Ready?"

She nodded, though her grip on his hand tightened to the point of cutting off circulation.

"One… two…" Before she realized it, Kenny had already administered the shot and pressed a cotton ball to her arm.

Dawn blinked, her tear-streaked face full of confusion. "Wait… was that it?"

Kenny grinned, securing the blue bandaid in place. "That was it. See? Told you it wouldn’t be so bad."

She stared at him in disbelief, then let out a shaky laugh. "I can’t believe I made such a big deal out of that."

Kenny ruffled her hair, his smile softening. "Hey, you were scared, and that’s okay. But you did it, Dee Dee. I’m proud of you."

Dawn smiled through her lingering tears, her heart swelling with gratitude. "Thanks, Kenny. For everything."

"Always," he said, pulling her into another hug. "Now, how about we go get some ice cream? You deserve it."

Dawn laughed, the tension finally melting away as she leaned into him. "That sounds perfect."