Kenny chuckled softly, still tracing Dawn’s veins with his thumb. "A clutcher, Dee Dee," he explained patiently. "Someone who balls their fists or tenses up when they’re nervous. That’s why it always hurts—you’re not letting your muscles relax."

Dawn’s cheeks turned red, and she muttered under her breath, "Well, sorry for being scared of needles…"

Kenny tilted his head, his smile never wavering. "No need to apologize, Dawn. Being scared isn’t a bad thing—it’s human. But I’m here to make sure it doesn’t hurt as much this time, okay?"

She nodded weakly, her fingers trembling as she gripped his arm tighter. Kenny noticed but didn’t say a word. Instead, he gently massaged her hand, coaxing her fingers to loosen.

"Alright," Kenny said softly, reaching for the syringe. "Now, here’s the deal. We’re going to take this slow, okay? I’ll walk you through it every step of the way. You can tell me to stop if it feels too much. Deal?"

Dawn gulped, her eyes glued to the small, shiny needle. Her voice came out in a shaky whisper. "D-Deal…"

Kenny prepped the syringe with practiced ease, but Dawn’s breathing hitched the moment he brought it closer. She immediately grabbed his arm, her nails digging into his skin through the scrubs.

"Kenny, wait! Wait!" she cried, her voice rising in panic.

He stopped instantly, lowering the syringe to the tray. "Dawn," he said softly, his voice steady and soothing. "It’s okay. Look at me."

Her chest heaved as she forced herself to meet his gaze. Kenny’s eyes were warm and calm, like a steady anchor in the storm raging in her head.

"I’m right here," he said, placing his free hand over hers, gently prying her fingers from his arm. "I know you’re scared, but you’re not alone. We’re doing this together, okay?"

Dawn’s lips quivered, tears slipping down her cheeks. "But what if it hurts? What if I can’t do it?"

"You can do it," Kenny said firmly. "And it might pinch for a second, but I promise it’ll be over before you know it. I won’t leave your side. You trust me, don’t you?"

She sniffled, nodding hesitantly. "I… I trust you…"

"Good." Kenny smiled, brushing away her tears with his thumb. "Now, let’s try this again. Deep breaths, Dee Dee. In… and out…"

Dawn tried to mimic his breathing, her grip on his arm loosening slightly. Kenny adjusted her arm, keeping his movements slow and deliberate.

"I’m going to clean the area now, okay? Just a little swipe," he said, picking up an alcohol pad. He wiped her skin gently, and though Dawn tensed, she didn’t protest.

"Good girl," Kenny praised, his voice soft. "Now, keep your eyes on me. Not the needle, just me."

Dawn did as he said, locking her gaze on his warm brown eyes. She felt her heart pounding, but Kenny’s calm demeanor steadied her.

"Alright," he said, picking up the syringe again. "Small pinch. You’re doing amazing, Dee Dee. Almost there…"

As the needle pressed into her skin, Dawn’s panic flared. She let out a soft cry, her hands flying to Kenny’s arm again as she sobbed uncontrollably. "Kenny, it hurts! I can’t—I can’t!"

Kenny set the syringe down immediately, placing both hands on her shoulders. "Dawn, it’s okay! You’re okay!" he said, his tone firm but gentle.

She buried her face in his chest, sobbing into his scrubs. "I’m sorry! I’m sorry! I’m such a baby!"

"Hey, none of that," Kenny said, wrapping his arms around her protectively. "You’re not a baby. You’re brave, Dawn. Brave for even trying."

"But I couldn’t do it…" she whimpered.

"You didn’t fail," he said, pulling back slightly to tilt her chin up. "You just need more time. And I’ve got all the time in the world for you, Dee Dee. We’ll get through this together."

Dawn sniffled, her tears slowing as she clung to him. Kenny grabbed a tissue from the tray, dabbing her cheeks.

"Let’s take a breather," he said. "We’ll try again when you’re ready. No rush."

Dawn nodded, her grip on his arm steadying. "Okay… Thank you, Kenny."

"Always," he said, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead. "You’ve got this, Dee Dee. I believe in you."