Dawn’s eyes were wide, tears threatening to spill over again. She swallowed hard, feeling her heart race in her chest. Her hands trembled in Kenny’s gentle grip. The calm, reassuring presence of him should’ve been enough to soothe her, but the fear gripped her tightly, making it hard to breathe.

"I’m not going to hurt you, Dee Dee," Kenny said softly, his voice a mixture of concern and understanding. "I promise."

But Dawn just shook her head, her lips trembling. "I don’t want to go through it. I don’t want to feel the needle. I just... I can’t."

Kenny’s thumb stroked her knuckles, the simple action grounding her in a way she hadn’t expected. He had always known how to calm her—how to steady the storm that raged inside her whenever she was faced with something she feared.

He sighed, his eyes filled with tenderness. "I know it’s hard, but I’m here with you. I won’t let anything happen to you." He leaned in slightly, his forehead touching hers. "You’re not alone, Dee Dee. I’ll make sure it’s not as bad as you think."

Dawn closed her eyes, her hands still clenching despite Kenny’s gentle touch. "But what if... What if it does hurt? What if it’s like every other time?"

Kenny smiled softly, brushing his hand over her cheek. "Every time you’ve been to the doctor, Dee Dee, you’ve been with someone who didn’t understand. They never asked you how you felt, or listened to what you needed. I’m not like that. I know you, and I know how to help."

Dawn took a shaky breath, her eyes flicking to the tray next to her, the small needle resting on the surface like a looming threat. She didn’t want to see it, didn’t want to acknowledge it. But Kenny’s voice, calm and reassuring, reached her again.

"I’m not going to rush you, Dee Dee. If you need a moment, we can take a break," Kenny offered, giving her space to breathe. He placed his hand gently over hers again, ensuring she felt the warmth of his presence. "We don’t have to do anything until you're ready."

Dawn’s breathing started to slow as she focused on Kenny’s hand, his soft touch on her skin. She didn’t want to seem weak, but the terror was suffocating. The only thing that kept her from running away was Kenny’s unyielding support.

"You’ve always been here for me, Kenny," she whispered, her voice cracking. "I don’t want to disappoint you. I want to be brave, but I’m scared."

Kenny leaned closer, his face only inches from hers. His eyes were filled with empathy. "You don’t have to be brave, Dee Dee. Not today. You don’t have to do anything for me. You’re allowed to be scared. But just remember, I’m right here. I’m not going anywhere."

Dawn felt a wave of relief wash over her, though the anxiety still lingered. She was afraid, yes, but knowing that Kenny understood made it a little easier to face. She nodded, tears still welling in her eyes, but the tension in her chest began to loosen, even if just a little.

"Okay," she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper. "Okay... I trust you."

Kenny’s smile was gentle, full of warmth. "Thank you, Dee Dee. You don’t have to worry. We’ll take it slow, and I won’t let anything happen that you’re not okay with."

He reached for the needle, the same calm expression on his face. Dawn watched his movements carefully, but the fear was still there, crawling beneath the surface.

But Kenny’s hands were steady as he prepared the syringe, his attention entirely on her. "You’re doing great, Dee Dee. Just keep breathing with me, okay? In... out... in... out..."

Dawn mirrored his breathing, her chest rising and falling in sync with his. She kept her eyes fixed on his, letting the rhythm of his voice calm her nerves.

"I’m here," he whispered, as he gently rolled up her sleeve. "And I won’t let anything hurt you, I swear."

Dawn felt the cool pressure of the needle against her arm, and for a moment, the world seemed to stop. Her heart pounded in her ears, and her muscles tensed, but she reminded herself to breathe. Kenny’s hand was on her wrist, firm but comforting.

And then, the needle went in.

It was sharp, yes, but it wasn’t as bad as she feared. She let out a soft gasp, but the pain wasn’t unbearable. Kenny’s voice, low and steady, anchored her.

"You’re doing amazing, Dee Dee," he murmured as he finished. "See? I told you, it wasn’t so bad."

Dawn’s eyes fluttered, her breath returning to a normal pace. She looked up at Kenny, his smile brighter than ever. "You’re right," she whispered, feeling the tension melt from her shoulders. "It wasn’t that bad."

Kenny leaned forward, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "You were amazing. And I’m so proud of you, Dee Dee."

Dawn smiled, the fear still lingering but now manageable. She looked at Kenny, her heart swelling with gratitude. "I couldn’t have done it without you."

Kenny gently helped her off the table, his arm around her shoulders. "You’ll never have to. I’ll always be right here."

As they left the room, hand in hand, Dawn realized that it wasn’t the needle or the doctor’s office that had truly made her scared. It was the fear of being alone in it all. But with Kenny by her side, she felt safe, no matter what came next.