Dawn moaned as Kenny placed a cool hand on her forehead. " Dee Dee you're burning up." He said, his voice laced with concern.

Dawn groaned as she picked herself out of bed and swung her feet over the bed

" Woah woah woah what do you think you're doing?!" Kenny yelped as he sat on the edge of their bed.

" I have to get up, Kenny." She tried to stand, but her stomach punched her skin and she groaned.

Kenny stood up, grabbing Dawn's shoulders and pushing her in the bed, sitting down on the edge of it. " Let's make one thing clear Dee Dee. There's no way I'm gonna let you out of this bed, at least until you feel better. Understand?"

Dawn put her hands up. " No need to worry! I'll stay here!"

Kenny gave her a look. " Mhm."

He helped her lie down on the bed and wrapped the blanket around her snugly.

“ Now listen, Dee Dee. I expect you to stay here in bed and rest. Do you understand?”

Dawn laughed nervously. " Don't worry I'll rest!"

Kenny's eyes softened and he leaned down and planted a kiss on her forehead. " Night Dee Dee."

Dawn groaned sleepily. " It's DAWN."

" Dee, wake uuuuuup."

Dawn opened a groggy eye to see her dear boy, holding a tray of food and smiling.

Dawn groaned. " Kenny, I'm not hungry." She muttered.

" Now Dee Dee, you have to eat something."

Dawn turned over.  " What is it?"

Kenny sighed, sitting down on the edge of the bed and rubbing circles on her hand. " Dee Dee let's get one thing straight. You are going to do as I say so you get better quickly. Understand?"

Dawn groaned, peeking over the blanket at Kenny, who had set the tray of food on the nightstand. His expression was a mix of patience and determination, the kind she knew he reserved for situations where she was being particularly stubborn.

"Fine," she muttered, turning her head back into the pillow. "But only because you won't leave me alone until I do."

Kenny smirked, victorious but gentle, and grabbed the tray. "That’s right. Now sit up, Dee Dee."

With a dramatic sigh, Dawn slowly sat up, Kenny quickly fluffing the pillows behind her so she could lean back comfortably. He placed the tray on her lap, revealing a bowl of steaming soup, crackers, and a small glass of juice.

"Soup?" she asked, wrinkling her nose. "Couldn’t you have brought something better? Like chocolate or something?"

Kenny raised an eyebrow, leaning his elbow on the edge of the bed. "Oh, sure, chocolate for a fever. Great idea, Dee Dee. Maybe we should add some ice cream, too, while we're at it."

Dawn pouted, grabbing the spoon reluctantly. "Okay, okay, I get it, Mr. Health Expert. No need to be sarcastic."

He grinned, sitting back and watching her take the first bite. "I wouldn’t have to if you weren’t so dramatic about everything."

She stuck her tongue out at him, but he just chuckled. "C’mon, eat it while it’s warm. You’ll feel better, I promise."

The first few bites went by in silence, though Kenny kept his eye on her, ready to step in if she hesitated. Finally, Dawn put the spoon down and sighed. "Okay, fine. It’s good. You win."

"I always win," Kenny teased, taking the tray once she was done. "Now that you’ve eaten, you can rest without complaining, right?"

"Who says I was complaining?" Dawn countered, crossing her arms.

Kenny set the tray aside and leaned closer, his face just inches from hers. "Dawn Hikari, you are the queen of complaining. Don’t even try to deny it."

Dawn felt her cheeks warm—not from the fever this time—and pushed him away playfully. "Whatever, Kenny. Just let me sleep."

"Fine, fine," he said, standing and pulling the blanket up to her chin. "But if I hear you trying to sneak out of bed, Dee Dee, I’m coming back with more soup."

"Ugh, you’re the worst," Dawn grumbled, but there was no hiding the small smile on her face as she turned over to rest.

Kenny stood by the door for a moment, watching her with a soft smile of his own. "Night, Dee Dee," he whispered before quietly leaving the room.

From under the blanket, Dawn whispered back, "It’s Dawn."

" Dee Dee, wake up."

Dawn sighed. " What happened Kenny?"

" We need to feed you, and we need to take your temperature."

Dawn sighed. " Fiiiiiine."

Kenny sat on one of his feet in the bed, other on the ground. He pulled a thermometer out of his pocket. " Open wide Dee Dee."

Dawn sat up slowly, her head still foggy, and instinctively leaned against Kenny's shoulder for support. She was too tired to argue or even hold herself upright. Kenny adjusted slightly to make her more comfortable, his free hand steadying her back.

"Come on, Dee Dee, open up," Kenny said gently, holding the thermometer near her mouth.

Dawn gave him a half-hearted glare. "You really love bossing me around when I'm like this, huh?"

Kenny smirked, slipping the thermometer under her tongue. "Only because I know you won’t listen otherwise."

Dawn rolled her eyes but stayed quiet as the thermometer beeped after a few seconds. Kenny pulled it out and glanced at the reading, his brow furrowing.

"101.4," he muttered. "Still high, but not as bad as earlier. That’s a small win."

Dawn mumbled something incoherent, her forehead resting against his shoulder now. Kenny ran his hand through her hair soothingly.

"You’re doing okay," he said softly. "Now, let’s get some food in you."

Dawn groaned, not moving. "I don’t wanna. I’m not hungry."

Kenny pulled the tray closer, placing it on the bed beside them. "I know, but you need to eat something, even just a little. I’ll even feed you if I have to."

Dawn tilted her head to look at him, her face a mix of exhaustion and mild irritation. "You wouldn’t."

Kenny raised an eyebrow, picking up a spoonful of soup from the bowl. "Try me."

Dawn huffed but sat up straighter, still leaning on him for balance. "Fine, but only because I don’t have the energy to fight you."

"Good choice," Kenny teased, holding the spoon to her lips. "Now, open up."

She complied reluctantly, sipping the warm broth. To her surprise, it wasn’t bad, and she let out a soft sigh. "Okay, okay, I’ll admit it. You’re a decent nurse."

"Decent?" Kenny repeated with mock offense. "I’m top-tier, Dee Dee. You just don’t appreciate me."

Dawn gave a small laugh, her voice still weak but lighter than before. "Yeah, yeah. Just keep feeding me before I change my mind."

Kenny chuckled, continuing to feed her spoonful by spoonful, his tone gentle but teasing all the while. By the time she’d finished half the bowl, Dawn’s head was leaning against his shoulder again, her eyes drooping.

"That’s enough," she murmured. "I’m gonna sleep now."

Kenny set the tray aside and carefully helped her lie back down, tucking the blanket around her snugly. "Alright, Dee Dee. But only if you promise not to wake up cranky later."

Dawn gave him a weak smile. "No promises."

Kenny laughed quietly, brushing a strand of hair from her face before standing. "Rest up. I’ll check on you in a bit."

As he closed the door behind him, Dawn whispered, "Thanks, Kenny." But he was already gone, leaving her to drift back into a peaceful sleep.

When Dawn woke up again, it was with a loud, uncontrollable sneeze that startled even herself. She groaned, her head pounding with every sniffle, and reached blindly for a tissue.

Kenny was already at her side, holding out a box of tissues like he’d been expecting this. "Morning, sneezy," he said with a small smirk. "Blow, Dee Dee."

Dawn squinted at him, her nose red and her face clearly unimpressed. "You’re really enjoying this, aren’t you?" she muttered, grabbing a tissue.

"Not even a little," Kenny said, sitting on the edge of the bed. "I’d rather see you up and winning contests. But since we’re here..." He gestured toward her with a raised eyebrow. "Blow."

Dawn sighed dramatically but complied, blowing her nose loudly and tossing the tissue into the trash can Kenny had moved to her side. She slumped back against her pillow. "This is the worst. Why can’t I just be magically better already?"

"Because you’re not in a fairy tale, Dee Dee," Kenny replied, shaking his head. "And no magical prince is going to save you—just me, your very non-magical boyfriend, making sure you don’t make yourself sicker."

Dawn groaned, pulling the blanket over her head. "You sound like my mom."

Kenny laughed, pulling the blanket down just enough to see her face. "Good, because she’d tell you the same thing. And she’d also say to drink some water, which I conveniently have right here." He handed her a glass.

Dawn sat up just enough to sip the water, glaring at him over the rim. "You’re bossy."

"I’m caring," Kenny corrected, gently taking the glass when she was done. "And if caring means being bossy, then I’ll wear the title proudly."

Dawn sniffled, her cheeks flushed—not just from her fever but from the warmth in Kenny’s tone. "Thanks, Kenny," she mumbled, her voice softer.

"Always, Dee Dee," he said with a grin, brushing her hair out of her face. "Now, let’s keep this sneezing under control, huh? We don’t want you launching yourself off the bed with another one of those."

Dawn gave a weak laugh, her smile small but genuine. "I’ll try, but no promises."

"Good enough for me," Kenny said, leaning down to plant a quick kiss on her forehead before sitting back. "Now, let’s see if we can make you feel human again."

Kenny sighed, his worry deepening as he watched Dawn try to gargle with warm saltwater again. Her face scrunched up in discomfort, and she coughed miserably before giving up entirely.

"Nothing’s working," Dawn muttered, her voice hoarse. She slumped back against her pillow, her face pale except for the fevered flush on her cheeks.

Kenny knelt by her side, brushing damp hair from her forehead. "You’re still burning up, Dee Dee. This isn’t just a cold anymore."

Dawn groaned. "I know, but what else can we even do?"

Kenny didn’t answer right away. Instead, he placed the back of his hand gently against her forehead again, frowning at how hot it felt. "I don’t like this," he muttered, standing up. Reaching into the bedside drawer, he grabbed the thermometer. "Dawn, open up."

Dawn blinked tiredly at him but obeyed, letting him slip the thermometer under her tongue. Kenny watched the small screen, his brow furrowing further with every passing second.

When the thermometer beeped, Kenny pulled it out and stared at the reading. "105 degrees," he read aloud, his voice low and serious.

Dawn blinked sluggishly. "Is... that bad?"

"Very bad," Kenny said, his concern sharpening into action. He placed a cool hand on her forehead again, then cupped her cheek to make her look at him. "Dawn, we’re not messing around anymore. We’re going to the hospital. Now."

Dawn’s eyes widened, though she still looked too drained to protest much. "Kenny, I—"

"No arguments," he interrupted firmly, already grabbing a light jacket for her and pulling it over her shoulders. "This isn’t up for debate, Dee Dee. You’re scaring me, and we’re not risking this getting worse."

Dawn didn’t fight him, her exhaustion overriding any stubbornness she might have felt. She let Kenny help her sit up and wrap the blanket around her for extra warmth.

"Can you walk, or should I carry you?" Kenny asked, crouching in front of her.

"I can walk," she mumbled, though her wobble when she tried to stand made Kenny immediately wrap an arm around her waist for support.

"Slow and steady," Kenny said softly, guiding her carefully toward the door. "We’ll get you taken care of, Dee Dee. I promise."

The hospital room was eerily quiet except for the soft beeping of the heart monitor and the occasional murmur of nurses checking in. Kenny sat by Dawn’s bedside, his face pale and his hands gripping hers tightly. 

The doctor had just left after delivering news that hit Kenny like a freight train. Dawn wasn’t just battling a fever; it was a severe infection that had spread rapidly. They’d admitted her immediately, hooking her up to an IV for fluids and antibiotics. 

“This is worse than we thought,” Kenny murmured to himself, his voice barely audible. He brushed a strand of hair from Dawn’s flushed face. Her breathing was shallow, her lips slightly parted as she lay unconscious from exhaustion. 

A nurse walked in, glancing at the monitors. "She’s stable for now, but her fever isn’t breaking. We’re running more tests to determine the exact infection." 

Kenny nodded, his jaw tight. “Is there anything else we can do for her?” 

“For now, it’s just a matter of letting the medication work and keeping her comfortable,” the nurse replied gently before leaving the room. 

Kenny let out a shaky breath and leaned closer to Dawn, his forehead nearly touching hers. “Dee Dee, I don’t know if you can hear me, but you’ve got to fight this. You’ve got to pull through, okay?” 

Dawn stirred slightly, her head turning toward his voice, but she didn’t wake. Kenny squeezed her hand, his voice breaking. “I can’t lose you. Not now. Not ever.” 

Hours passed, and Kenny refused to leave her side. The rest of their friends had arrived by then—Ash, Brock, and even Zoey—all of them sitting in the waiting room, worried out of their minds. 

Brock stepped in to check on Kenny, holding out a coffee. “You need to stay strong for her, Kenny.” 

Kenny shook his head, his eyes locked on Dawn. “I can’t think about myself right now. I just... I need her to be okay.” 

Zoey peeked into the room, her usual confidence shaken. “The doctors said her fever is still dangerous. She’s got a long way to go.” 

Ash, standing behind Zoey, balled his fists. “If Dawn’s fighting, we have to fight with her.” 

Kenny finally looked up, his expression determined despite the fear in his eyes. “She’s not giving up, and neither am I.” 

As the night stretched on, the group took turns sitting with Dawn, talking to her even though she remained unconscious. Kenny never left for long, his heart in his throat every time the machines beeped a little too loudly. 

When dawn finally began to stir the next morning, her fever slightly lower but still present, Kenny was at her side instantly, holding her hand. 

“Dee Dee,” he whispered, relief flooding his voice. 

Dawn’s eyes fluttered open, her gaze unfocused but locking onto him. “Kenny?” 

“I’m here,” he said, his voice cracking. “And you’re going to be okay. I promise.” 

For the first time in hours, Kenny allowed himself a small, hopeful smile, but the battle wasn’t over yet. Not by a long shot.

The morning light streamed through the window as Ash shuffled into the hospital cafeteria, his stomach grumbling loudly. He piled his tray with pancakes, eggs, and fruit, but his heart wasn’t in it. Instead, his thoughts kept drifting to Kenny and Dawn. 

Carrying the tray back to the waiting room, Ash found Brock sitting quietly with a cup of coffee, Zoey leaning back in her chair, eyes closed but clearly not asleep. 

“Got breakfast,” Ash said, setting the tray down on the small table. 

Brock gave a nod. “Good. You need to eat something. We all do.” 

Ash didn’t sit. Instead, he glanced toward the hallway leading to Dawn’s room. “Has Kenny come out at all?” 

Zoey opened one eye. “Not once. He won’t leave her side. I don’t think he’s eaten either.” 

Ash frowned. “That’s not good. He can’t help her if he doesn’t take care of himself.” 

Grabbing a plate of pancakes, Ash stood and marched toward Dawn’s room. When he entered, he found Kenny exactly where they’d left him—perched on the edge of Dawn’s bed, her hand in his, his eyes red from exhaustion. 

“Kenny,” Ash called softly. 

Kenny didn’t even turn around. “What?” 

Ash stepped closer, holding out the plate. “I brought you some breakfast. You need to eat, man.” 

Kenny shook his head. “I’m not hungry.” 

“Kenny, come on,” Ash insisted. “You’ve been in here all night. You have to—” 

“I don’t want food, Ash!” Kenny snapped, finally looking up, his voice tight with frustration. “I want Dawn to be okay!” 

Ash flinched but held his ground. “And how are you supposed to help her if you’re running on empty? She needs you, Kenny. But she needs you strong.” 

Kenny’s gaze softened as he looked back at Dawn, her face still pale but her breathing a bit steadier. “I just… I don’t want to leave her.” 

“You don’t have to,” Ash said gently. “I’ll stay here while you eat. Just take ten minutes, okay?” 

Kenny hesitated, his fingers brushing against Dawn’s as if afraid to let go. 

“Kenny,” Ash said again, his tone firm but understanding. “Dawn’s a fighter, but she’d hate to see you like this. Do it for her.” 

With a reluctant sigh, Kenny nodded. “Fine. Ten minutes.” 

He stood, his movements sluggish, and took the plate from Ash. Before leaving the room, he paused to glance back at Dawn, as if making sure she was still there. 

Ash sat down in the chair Kenny had vacated, watching over Dawn with a quiet determination. “Don’t worry, Dawn,” he murmured. “You’ve got all of us. We’re not going anywhere.” 

From the doorway, Zoey peeked in, a small smile on her face. “Nice work, Ash.” 

Ash shrugged, leaning back in the chair. “It’s what friends do.”

When the doctor entered the room, the atmosphere was tense. Kenny sat on the edge of Dawn’s bed, his eyes locked on her pale face. His fingers were interlaced tightly with hers, as though his grip alone could keep her tethered to him. 

Zoey, Brock, and Ash stood near the doorway, their worried gazes not on Dawn but on Kenny. The boy hadn’t slept properly in days, and his exhaustion was evident in his slumped shoulders and dark circles under his eyes. 

The doctor, a calm-looking woman in her forties, adjusted her stethoscope and glanced at the group. “How long has she been like this?” 

Kenny finally looked up, his voice hoarse. “She’s been sick for a while… but she got really bad last night. Her fever won’t go down.” 

The doctor nodded, moving to check Dawn’s vitals. She placed a thermometer gently under Dawn’s tongue and waited while it beeped. Pulling it out, her brow furrowed. 

“Still 105,” the doctor said quietly. “We’ll need to bring this down immediately.” 

Kenny’s grip on Dawn’s hand tightened. “What are you going to do?” he asked, his voice trembling. 

“We’ll start with an ice bath,” the doctor replied, her tone professional but kind. “We need to cool her down as fast as possible. After that, we’ll monitor her for any signs of dehydration or complications.” 

Kenny swallowed hard, his eyes darting back to Dawn. “Will she be okay?” 

The doctor placed a reassuring hand on Kenny’s shoulder. “She’s young and strong. But it’s good you brought her in when you did.” 

As the medical staff began preparing Dawn for the ice bath, Zoey leaned over to Brock and whispered, “He’s just a kid. This is too much for him.” 

Brock nodded, his expression grim. “I know. He’s trying to act strong for Dawn, but he’s barely holding it together.” 

Ash crossed his arms, glancing at Kenny, who hadn’t moved from his spot by Dawn’s side. “We’ve got to help him somehow. He can’t carry all this by himself.” 

Zoey stepped forward and placed a hand on Kenny’s shoulder. “Hey, why don’t you step out for a minute? Let the doctors do their thing.” 

Kenny shook his head vehemently. “No. I’m not leaving her.” 

“Kenny,” Brock said gently. “She’s in good hands. You need to rest. You’ll be no good to her if you collapse.” 

“I’m fine,” Kenny snapped, though his voice cracked slightly. 

Ash crouched beside Kenny, his voice calm but firm. “Listen, man. I know you’re scared. We all are. But you’ve got to trust the doctors. Dawn would want you to take care of yourself too.” 

Kenny didn’t respond immediately. His gaze flickered to Dawn’s face, then back to Ash. Finally, he nodded reluctantly. 

“Okay,” he whispered, his voice barely audible. “But just for a minute.” 

As Kenny stood and shuffled toward the door, Zoey caught his arm. “Come on. Let’s get you some water.” 

The group watched as the medical team worked on Dawn, and Ash muttered, “She’s going to pull through. She has to.” 

Brock nodded, but his eyes stayed fixed on Kenny, who sat in the waiting room, staring at his hands. The boy might have left Dawn’s side physically, but his heart was still with her every second.

The doctor hesitated at the door to the room, clipboard in hand. She glanced at Dawn, still unconscious on the bed, then at Kenny, who sat beside her. His small frame seemed to slump further with every passing hour. He hadn’t moved—his hand still clutched Dawn’s—and the haunted look in his eyes made her heart ache. 

She turned to the group standing by the door: Ash, Zoey, and Brock. Lowering her voice, she asked, “How long has he been like this?” 

Ash glanced at Kenny, guilt and concern etched across his face. “Since she was admitted,” he replied softly. 

The doctor’s eyes widened in disbelief. “That was two days ago!” 

Zoey nodded grimly. “We’ve tried to get him to eat, drink, even take a break, but he won’t leave her side.” 

“He hasn’t slept either,” Brock added, his voice heavy with worry. “He’s completely worn out.” 

The doctor sighed and glanced at Kenny again. The boy looked so fragile, but there was a fierce determination in his posture that even exhaustion couldn’t break. She stepped closer and crouched down to his level, speaking softly. 

“Kenny?” she began gently, her tone laced with kindness. 

He didn’t look up. His gaze stayed fixed on Dawn’s pale face. “Is she okay?” he asked, his voice hoarse from lack of sleep and emotion. 

The doctor hesitated. “We need to move her to intensive care,” she said carefully. “Her condition hasn’t improved, and we need more advanced equipment to help her.” 

Kenny’s grip on Dawn’s hand tightened. “Will she be okay there?” 

“We’re going to do everything we can,” the doctor assured him. Then she hesitated again before continuing. “But Kenny… you need to take care of yourself too. You haven’t eaten, slept, or had any water. You can’t help Dawn if you’re not okay.” 

“I’m fine,” Kenny muttered stubbornly. 

The doctor exchanged a glance with Ash, who stepped forward and placed a hand on Kenny’s shoulder. “Kenny, come on,” Ash said softly. “Dawn wouldn’t want you to hurt yourself over this. She needs you to be strong for her.” 

Kenny shook his head, his voice breaking. “I can’t leave her. What if something happens while I’m gone?” 

Zoey knelt beside him, her voice firm but compassionate. “She’s in the best hands, Kenny. The doctors are doing everything they can. But you’re not helping her by making yourself sick.” 

Kenny finally looked up at Zoey, his eyes brimming with tears. “I can’t lose her,” he whispered. 

“You’re not going to,” Brock said, his tone steady. “But you have to trust us. Trust the doctors. Let us take care of her, and let us take care of you too.” 

After a long silence, Kenny nodded reluctantly. “Okay,” he whispered. 

The doctor placed a hand on his shoulder. “Thank you, Kenny. Let’s get you something to eat and rest for a bit. Dawn’s going to need you when she wakes up.” 

As they guided him out of the room, Kenny cast one last glance at Dawn. He whispered softly, “Stay strong, Dee Dee. I’ll be right back.” 

Ash, Zoey, and Brock stayed close, their hearts heavy as they led the boy away to care for him, knowing just how deeply he cared for Dawn.

Five minutes later, Kenny walked back into Dawn’s hospital room, ignoring the pleading looks from Ash, Zoey, and Brock, as well as the concerned stares of the nurses and doctors. He moved silently, his feet dragging slightly, before taking his usual place in the chair beside Dawn's bed. 

He sat down, clasped her hand gently, and sighed. "Oh, Dawn..." he whispered, his voice trembling. His free hand brushed a stray strand of hair away from her face. “Why won’t you wake up? You always promised me you’d never give up.” 

The nurses exchanged uneasy glances. One whispered to the doctor, “He just came back from the break we made him take. He’s not supposed to be here yet.” 

The doctor frowned and looked toward Ash, Zoey, and Brock. “What happened? I thought he agreed to rest.” 

Ash scratched the back of his neck awkwardly. “We tried,” he admitted. “But Kenny’s... well, he’s stubborn. He just walked straight back in.” 

Zoey crossed her arms, her frustration barely concealed. “I don’t think we could stop him even if we wanted to.” 

The doctor sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. “This isn’t good for him—or for Dawn. He’s running himself ragged.” 

Meanwhile, Kenny leaned forward, resting his forehead on the edge of Dawn’s bed. “Please,” he murmured, his voice barely audible, “please wake up, Dee Dee. I’ll do anything. Just don’t leave me...” 

The raw emotion in his voice made everyone in the room pause. Even the doctor hesitated, her earlier frustration melting into empathy. “He’s just a kid,” she said softly. “And he’s terrified of losing her.” 

Ash nodded solemnly. “He cares about her more than anything. That’s why he won’t leave her side.” 

“Even if it’s at the expense of his own health,” Brock added, frowning. 

The doctor knelt down beside Kenny, her voice gentle. “Kenny, I know this is hard, but you have to take care of yourself too. Dawn needs you to be strong when she wakes up.” 

Kenny lifted his head slightly, his eyes red and puffy. “I know,” he whispered, his voice cracking. “But I can’t just sit somewhere else. What if she needs me?” 

“She’s in good hands,” the doctor assured him. “We’ll call you the moment there’s any change. But if you collapse, how will you be there for her then?” 

Kenny hesitated, clearly torn, before shaking his head. “I can’t leave her. I won’t.” 

Ash stepped forward, placing a hand on Kenny’s shoulder. “Then at least let us bring you something to eat and drink. You can’t help her if you’re this weak.” 

After a long pause, Kenny nodded reluctantly. “Okay... but only if I can stay here.” 

The doctor sighed but nodded. “Alright. But you need to promise to take care of yourself too, Kenny.” 

As the group set about bringing him food and water, Kenny turned back to Dawn, squeezing her hand gently. “I’ll be right here, Dee Dee,” he whispered. “Always.”

Thirty minutes later, the sound of hurried footsteps echoed in the hallway. Johanna, Dawn’s mother, entered the hospital room with a concerned expression. Her eyes immediately fell on Kenny, sitting by Dawn’s bedside, looking pale and utterly exhausted. 

"Kenny, dear," Johanna said softly, her voice filled with worry. "What have you done to yourself?!" 

Kenny barely lifted his head, his tired eyes meeting hers. “Nothing,” he mumbled, his voice hoarse from lack of sleep. “Why?” 

Johanna’s heart broke at the sight of him. The boy who was always so full of energy and charm now looked like he was carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders. Without hesitation, she stepped forward and wrapped her arms around him, pulling him into a warm, maternal embrace. 

“Oh, Kenny...” she whispered, stroking his hair. 

And that was all it took. The ten-year-old boy, who had been holding everything inside for days, finally broke. He clung to Johanna tightly, his small frame shaking as sobs wracked his body. 

“I—I tried, Mrs. Hikari,” Kenny choked out between tears. “I tried to be strong for her. But she won’t wake up, and I don’t know what to do. I don’t know how to help her...” 

Johanna held him closer, letting him cry into her shoulder. “Shh, it’s okay, Kenny,” she murmured soothingly. “You’ve done so much for her already. It’s okay to feel this way. You’re just a child, sweetheart. You don’t have to carry this alone.” 

Kenny shook his head, his voice breaking. “But I have to! She needs me. I can’t let her down!” 

Johanna pulled back slightly to look him in the eyes, her hands resting on his shoulders. “Kenny, you’ve been so brave for Dawn. But you’re no good to her if you don’t take care of yourself too. She wouldn’t want to see you like this, would she?” 

Kenny hesitated, his tears still flowing. “No... but I can’t stop worrying about her.” 

Johanna smiled gently and cupped his face in her hands. “That’s because you love her, and that’s a beautiful thing. But love also means trusting that others will help too. You’re not alone in this, Kenny. We’re all here for Dawn—and for you.” 

Ash, Zoey, and Brock, who had been watching silently from the corner of the room, nodded in agreement. 

“You’ve been amazing, Kenny,” Zoey said softly. “But it’s okay to lean on us too.” 

Kenny sniffled, wiping his eyes with the back of his hand. “I just... I just want her to be okay.” 

“And she will be,” Johanna reassured him, pulling him into another hug. “You’ve done everything you can. Now it’s time to let us help, okay?” 

Reluctantly, Kenny nodded. For the first time in days, he allowed himself to relax a little, leaning into Johanna’s comforting embrace as his emotions slowly settled. 

From her bed, Dawn stirred slightly, her lips twitching as if she could sense the love and care surrounding her. It was a small movement, but it was enough to give everyone in the room a glimmer of hope.

As the room fell quiet, Dawn stirred again, her lips parting as she softly muttered, “Kenny…” 

Kenny’s head snapped up at the sound, his exhaustion melting into shock. “Dawn?!” he exclaimed, his voice trembling with both hope and disbelief. 

Everyone in the room froze, their eyes on Dawn as she slowly opened her eyes, blinking up at the ceiling before her gaze landed on Kenny. A faint smile graced her face. 

“Kenny…” she said again, her voice raspy but unmistakably filled with affection. 

Without hesitation, Kenny lunged forward, wrapping his arms around her in a tight embrace. “Dawn!” he cried, his voice breaking as tears streamed down his face again. “You’re awake! You’re okay!” 

Dawn let out a soft laugh, weak but genuine, as she hugged him back. “Of course I’m okay, Kenny. You’re here, aren’t you?” 

Kenny pulled back just enough to look at her, his hands cupping her face as if to make sure she was real. “Don’t you ever scare me like that again, Dee Dee,” he said, half-scolding, half-sobbing. 

Dawn giggled, though her voice was still hoarse. “I’ll try not to, but no promises.” 

From the doorway, Johanna watched the two with tears in her eyes, her heart swelling with relief. Ash grinned widely, nudging Brock. 

“Well,” Ash said, “I guess she’s got the best medicine right here.” 

Brock nodded, smiling softly. “Yeah. Love really does heal, doesn’t it?” 

Zoey wiped a tear from her cheek, whispering, “Knew she couldn’t leave him hanging. Those two are inseparable.” 

Kenny, oblivious to everyone else, leaned his forehead against Dawn’s. “I was so scared, Dawn,” he whispered. “I thought I lost you.” 

Dawn’s smile softened, and she placed a hand on his cheek. “You didn’t. I’m here, Kenny. And I’m not going anywhere.” 

They stayed like that for a moment, holding onto each other as if the rest of the world didn’t exist. For Kenny, it felt like he could finally breathe again. For Dawn, it felt like waking up to everything she’d ever need right there by her side.