Kenny smiled gently, his eyes filled with understanding. "You're a clutcher, Dee Dee. It's when you get so nervous, you end up balling your fist really tight without even realizing it. That makes the needle hurt more, because your muscles are all tense."

Dawn blinked, still trembling. "So... so I just have to... not hold on so tight?"

Kenny nodded, his voice soft. "Exactly. Let your muscles relax, Dee Dee. It'll hurt less. But don't worry, I’ll guide you through it."

Dawn swallowed, her stomach twisting into tight knots. She didn’t know if she could do it. She wanted to be brave, but the anxiety was overwhelming. She was already thinking about the needle, imagining it poking her skin, and it was making her heart race faster.

Kenny reached for the syringe, and Dawn could feel the panic building inside her. She tried to take deep breaths, like he had told her, but it wasn’t working. Her hands shook, her knees felt weak, and her mind screamed at her to run.

"Kenny... I can't... I can’t," she gasped, her voice breaking.

Kenny stopped, his hand still holding the needle, and looked at her with gentle concern. "Hey, hey, it's okay, Dee Dee. We can take a break. You don’t have to do anything until you're ready."

But Dawn felt herself slipping. The fear was consuming her, and all she could think about was the pain that was coming. Her mind was spiraling, and the idea of the needle in her skin made her heart race even faster.

She didn’t want to disappoint Kenny, but she couldn’t control it. The thought of the needle was too much.

Before she could stop herself, her hands shot out, and she grabbed onto Kenny’s arm desperately. "No! No! Please, don't... don’t do it! I can’t do it, Kenny!" she cried, her voice shaky and panicked.

Kenny froze, his expression softening as he looked at her. He gently pried her hands off his arm, his grip still firm but comforting. "Hey, Dee Dee. It's okay, it’s okay. You're okay."

Dawn sobbed into his chest, her breath coming in ragged gasps. "I’m scared, Kenny! I’m so scared!" Her body shook uncontrollably as she clung to him, her fear paralyzing her. "I don't want the needle. I can't take it. It always hurts so much, and what if... what if it’s worse this time?"

Kenny's arms wrapped around her, holding her tightly against him. He gently rocked her back and forth, his voice soft and soothing. "Shhh... it’s alright, Dee Dee. I won’t let anything bad happen. I promise. You're safe with me, okay? I won’t hurt you."

Dawn’s sobs became more desperate, her face buried against his chest as she cried. Her mind was racing, her thoughts a jumble of worry and fear. She couldn't stop shaking, and the thought of the needle still loomed over her like a shadow.

"I know it’s scary," Kenny murmured, brushing his hand over her hair. "But remember, you're not alone in this. I'm right here with you. I won’t let go, Dee Dee. I won’t let anything hurt you."

Dawn looked up at him, her tear-streaked face filled with fear. She felt a pang of guilt for breaking down like this in front of him, but she couldn’t help it. Her chest felt like it was being crushed by the weight of her anxiety.

"I’m sorry, Kenny. I just... I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I can’t stop being scared," she whispered, her voice breaking again.

Kenny smiled softly, wiping a tear from her cheek. "There’s nothing wrong with you, Dee Dee. You’re human. It's okay to be scared. You don’t have to apologize for feeling this way. I’m here for you. Always."

Dawn nodded slowly, trying to steady her breath. She didn’t want to be a burden to Kenny, but at the same time, she was so grateful to have him there. His presence, his calm voice, his warmth—everything about him made her feel a little bit safer.

"Okay..." she whispered, pulling away slightly to look at him. "Okay, I’m ready. I think I can do it."

Kenny’s smile was gentle and proud. "You don’t have to rush, Dee Dee. We’ll go slow, okay? No pressure."

Dawn nodded, trying to calm herself. She took another shaky breath, closing her eyes for a moment to focus. With Kenny’s reassurance, she felt a little less terrified. She wasn’t alone in this. She could do it.

Kenny gently reached for her arm again, and this time, Dawn didn’t fight it. She felt his warm hand on her skin, and she tried to relax, to let go of the fear.

As he gently prepared the needle, she squeezed her eyes shut, holding her breath. Her mind screamed at her, but she focused on Kenny’s voice.

"Just breathe with me, Dee Dee. In... out... in... out."

Dawn breathed in slowly, trying to match his pace. Her hands still shook, but she could feel the calming effect of his presence. She was here. She was with Kenny. She wasn’t alone.

And then the needle was there, just a small pinch, and it was over. The sting was sharp, but it was quick. Dawn opened her eyes, her breath coming faster as she looked at the small band-aid on her arm.

She did it. She made it through.

Kenny gently removed the syringe, his expression soft with pride. "See? That wasn’t so bad, was it?"

Dawn let out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding. Her body relaxed a little, the tension easing. She nodded, her voice still shaky but filled with relief. "It wasn’t... as bad as I thought."

Kenny grinned, leaning down to kiss the top of her head. "I’m so proud of you, Dee Dee."

Dawn smiled weakly, feeling the weight lift from her chest. "Thank you... for being here, Kenny."

He chuckled, helping her sit up from the table. "Of course. Always."