Kenny grinned at her, the kind of warm, teasing smile that always seemed to calm her nerves. "A clutcher, Dee Dee. Someone who tenses up and grips onto something like their life depends on it. Your muscles are all tight, which makes the needle hurt more. You’ve got to relax."

Dawn frowned, glancing at her hand, which was still gripping his arm like a lifeline. She quickly let go, embarrassed. "I-I don’t mean to…"

Kenny chuckled, gently prying her fingers off his sleeve. "It’s okay. That’s what I’m here for. We’re going to work on that, okay?"

She nodded slowly, her heart still racing. Kenny’s fingers traced her arm again, applying light pressure to the veins. He looked up at her, his tone soft. "See? Nothing to be scared of. We’ll take this nice and slow."

Dawn’s breathing was still shallow, her gaze flicking nervously toward the tray with the dreaded syringe. She forced herself to look away, but the thought of it still made her stomach churn. "Kenny, I don’t know if I can do this," she whispered.

"You can," Kenny said firmly, his voice filled with encouragement. "And if you forget how to relax, I’ll be here to remind you. Okay?"

She nodded, but the fear hadn’t lessened.

Kenny reached for the syringe, glancing back at her. "Alright, Dee Dee, this is the part where you need to trust me. It’s going to be quick, and I’ll talk you through the whole thing."

Dawn’s hands were already clenching her dress again, her knuckles white. "Kenny… I don’t think I’m ready…"

"You’ve got this," he assured her, placing the needle on the tray for a moment. He gently took her hand in his and began massaging it, the warmth of his touch soothing. "Remember what I said? Breathe with me. In... and out."

Dawn tried to mimic his slow, steady breathing, but her chest felt too tight. "It’s not working," she whimpered.

Kenny cupped her face, his thumbs brushing away the tears starting to roll down her cheeks. "It’s okay to be scared. You’re allowed to feel that. But you’re not alone in this, Dee Dee. I’ve got you."

She swallowed hard, nodding weakly. Kenny picked up the syringe again, carefully preparing it. Dawn’s eyes widened at the sight, and her breathing quickened.

"Dee Dee, look at me," Kenny said softly, his voice pulling her focus back to him. "Not the needle. Me. Just me."

She locked eyes with him, his calm demeanor like an anchor. "That’s it," he encouraged. "Now, squeeze my hand if you need to. Ready?"

But as soon as the needle approached her arm, all her resolve crumbled. She let out a soft cry and lunged forward, grabbing Kenny’s arm tightly. Her nails dug into his sleeve as she buried her face against his shoulder, sobbing uncontrollably.

"Kenny, I can’t! I can’t do it!" she wailed.

Kenny froze, his free hand immediately wrapping around her back. "Dawn, hey, it’s okay," he murmured, his voice calm and steady. "You’re safe. I’ve got you."

Her sobs only grew louder, her whole body trembling. Kenny set the syringe back on the tray and held her closer, his hand gently rubbing her back. "Shh, it’s okay, Dee Dee. Take your time. I’m not going anywhere."

Dawn clung to him, her tears soaking into his scrubs. "I’m sorry," she choked out between sobs. "I’m such a mess…"

"You’re not a mess," Kenny replied firmly. He pulled back just enough to look into her tear-streaked face, his hands still holding her shoulders. "You’re human. And I’m proud of you for even trying. You don’t have to do this today if you’re not ready."

"But you’ll be disappointed…" she whispered, her voice trembling.

Kenny’s eyes softened, and he shook his head. "Never. I’d never be disappointed in you, Dawn. I just want you to feel safe."

Dawn sniffled, her grip on his arm loosening slightly. "You’re not mad?"

"Mad? Dee Dee, I could never be mad at you for being scared." He smiled gently, brushing her hair back. "We’ll try again when you’re ready. No pressure, no rush."

She nodded, still trembling, but the warmth of his embrace began to steady her. "Thank you, Kenny," she whispered.

"Always," he said softly, holding her close again. "I’ll always be here for you."

In that moment, Dawn realized that with Kenny by her side, she could face her fears—even if it took a little longer than she’d hoped.