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."

" Dawn? Hey Dawn!" Someone whispered gently. " Wake up."

Dawn groaned and opened an eye to see Kenny smiling over her.

" Good morning to you, Dee Dee."

Dawn groaned. " What happened Kenny?"

" Time to eat!"

Dawn rolled over in the bed and groaned as a wave of stomach pain hit her. " I'm not hungry."

Kenny frowned and sat on the edge of the bed. " Now Dee Dee i won't have any of this nonsense. I made you a fruit salad which I plan on feeding you. So sit up and open your mouth."

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."



" Dawn? Hey Dawn!" Someone whispered gently. " Wake up."

Dawn groaned and opened an eye to see Kenny smiling over her.

" Good morning to you, Dee Dee."

Dawn groaned. " What happened Kenny?"

" Time to eat!"

Dawn rolled over in the bed and groaned as a wave of stomach pain hit her. " I'm not hungry."

Kenny frowned and sat on the edge of the bed. " Now Dee Dee i won't have any of this nonsense. I made you a fruit salad which I plan on feeding you. So sit up and open your mouth."
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."

" Dawn? Hey Dawn!" Someone whispered gently. " Wake up."

Dawn groaned and opened an eye to see Kenny smiling over her.

" Good morning to you, Dee Dee."

Dawn groaned. " What happened Kenny?"

" Time to eat!"

Dawn rolled over in the bed and groaned as a wave of stomach pain hit her. " I'm not hungry."

Kenny frowned and sat on the edge of the bed. " Now Dee Dee i won't have any of this nonsense. I made you a fruit salad which I plan on feeding you. So sit up and open your mouth."

Dawn squinted up at Kenny, her expression somewhere between a glare and a pout. “Kenny, I’m really not hungry. Can’t I just sleep?”

Kenny shook his head firmly, setting the tray with the fruit salad down on the nightstand. “Nope, no can do, Dee Dee. You need to eat something if you want to get better. Besides, you can’t just sleep the whole day away.”

Dawn groaned and buried her face in the pillow. “Why are you so bossy when I’m sick?”

Kenny smirked, crossing his arms. “Because someone has to be. Now, come on, sit up.”

Reluctantly, Dawn pushed herself into a sitting position, though she slumped against the headboard like a ragdoll. Kenny picked up the bowl of fruit salad and held out a spoonful toward her.

“Open wide,” he said with a teasing grin.

Dawn wrinkled her nose but opened her mouth begrudgingly, allowing Kenny to feed her the first bite. She chewed slowly, her face softening slightly as the sweet flavors of the fruit hit her tongue. “Okay... that’s not bad,” she admitted.

Kenny raised an eyebrow, his grin widening. “See? Told you. Now, let’s finish this bowl.”

Dawn rolled her eyes but continued to eat as Kenny fed her, spoonful by spoonful. Despite her protests, she couldn’t help but feel comforted by his care. By the time she finished the fruit salad, her stomach felt a little more settled, and she leaned back against the pillows with a small sigh.

“Happy now?” she asked, her tone still laced with mock irritation.

“Very,” Kenny replied, setting the empty bowl aside. “You’ve got some color back in your cheeks already.”

Dawn gave a weak laugh. “You’re impossible.”

Kenny reached out and gently brushed a strand of hair out of her face, his expression softening. “Yeah, but you love me for it.”

She looked at him, her lips curling into a faint smile. “I guess I do.”

“Good, because I’m not going anywhere until you’re back to your usual, stubborn self,” he said, leaning in to plant another kiss on her forehead. “Now, get some more rest. I’ll check on you in a bit.”

As he stood to leave, Dawn grabbed his wrist weakly. “Kenny?”

He turned back, concern flickering in his eyes. “Yeah, Dee Dee?”

“Thanks... for taking care of me.”

Kenny smiled, giving her hand a reassuring squeeze. “Always.”

Dawn watched him leave the room, the door clicking softly behind him. Despite the ache in her body, a small warmth spread through her chest. Maybe being sick wasn’t so bad with Kenny around.

When Dawn woke up, the world around her felt like it was shrouded in fog. Her vision was blurry, her head throbbed, and her entire body felt heavy, as if the blankets were made of lead. She blinked a few times, trying to clear her sight, but it was no use.

“Kenny?” she croaked, her voice hoarse.

Immediately, she heard his footsteps approach. “Dee Dee, you’re awake,” Kenny said, his voice filled with relief but tinged with a stern undertone. He appeared in her line of sight, his arms crossed and an expression that made it clear he wasn’t in the mood for nonsense. “How are you feeling?”

“Like I’ve been hit by a truck,” Dawn mumbled, trying to sit up. Her stomach churned at the effort, and she flopped back onto the bed with a groan. “Everything’s spinning…”

“That’s because you’ve got a fever,” Kenny said, pulling the blanket snug around her again. “And what part of stay in bed didn’t you understand yesterday?”

Dawn blinked up at him, confused. “I haven’t even moved!”

“Yet,” Kenny retorted, narrowing his eyes. “I know you, Dee Dee. The moment you feel even the tiniest bit better, you’re going to try to get up and start doing something ridiculous, like training or reorganizing your wardrobe.”

Dawn rolled her eyes—or at least, she thought she did; it was hard to tell with her blurred vision. “I just wanted some water…”

“And you didn’t call for me?” Kenny huffed, grabbing the water bottle from the nightstand. “You’re supposed to let me take care of you. What if you fell on your way to the kitchen, huh?”

“Kenny, I’m not an invalid,” she muttered, reaching weakly for the bottle.

He held it just out of reach. “No, but you’re sick, and I’m not taking any chances. Open your mouth.”

Dawn scowled, but she obeyed, letting Kenny tilt the bottle to help her drink. The cool water soothed her dry throat, and she sighed in relief when he pulled it away. “Happy now?”

“Not yet,” Kenny said, pulling out a thermometer from his pocket. “This is going under your tongue, and you’re not arguing about it.”

Dawn groaned. “You’re being way too strict.”

“You gave me no choice,” Kenny shot back, slipping the thermometer under her tongue before she could protest further. “You’re stubborn, Dee Dee, and someone has to make sure you’re not overdoing it.”

Dawn mumbled something unintelligible around the thermometer, glaring at him weakly. When it beeped, Kenny pulled it out and checked the reading, his face tightening. “Still high. You’re staying in bed, and that’s final.”

Dawn flopped her head back against the pillow dramatically. “Fine, Dad.”

Kenny smirked but didn’t rise to the bait. “Good. Now, I made you some soup, and you’re going to eat it all. After that, you’re taking some medicine and resting.”

“Do I have a choice?” Dawn grumbled.

“Nope,” Kenny said cheerfully, heading out to get the soup.

As she lay there, Dawn couldn’t help but smile faintly, despite her grumbling. Kenny’s strictness was annoying, sure, but it also made her feel safe—like someone had her back no matter what. When he returned with the bowl of soup and a spoon, she sighed and sat up with his help.

“Alright, Nurse Kenny, let’s get this over with,” she muttered.

He grinned. “That’s the spirit, Dee Dee. Now, open wide.”

Despite her protests, Dawn couldn’t deny that having someone so dedicated to taking care of her felt pretty nice.

After Dawn swallowed the last spoonful of soup, Kenny set the empty bowl aside and looked at her with that same stern expression. “Now, rest, Dee Dee,” he ordered, adjusting the blanket around her like a mother hen.

Dawn groaned, rolling her eyes dramatically. “Can’t I at least train my Pokémon? I’ve already wasted a whole day doing nothing.”

Kenny crossed his arms, his eyebrows shooting up. “You call being sick and recovering wasting time? Seriously, Dawn?”

“Yes!” she replied, trying to sit up. “I have contests to prepare for, Kenny! I can’t just—”

“Nope, absolutely not,” Kenny interrupted, gently but firmly pushing her back down. “You’re not going anywhere near your Pokémon until you’re fully recovered.”

Dawn glared at him, crossing her arms stubbornly. “You can’t just boss me around, Kenny.”

“Oh, can’t I?” he shot back, raising an eyebrow. “Because I’m pretty sure I just did. You’re not training, you’re not battling, and you’re definitely not running around outside while you’re burning up with a fever.”

“But—”

“No buts,” Kenny said, cutting her off again. “Your Pokémon need you to be at your best. How are you supposed to help them if you’re sick and miserable? Do you think Piplup wants to watch you collapse in the middle of training?”

Dawn blinked, caught off guard by his reasoning. She opened her mouth to argue again, but then closed it, her shoulders slumping. “Fine,” she muttered. “You win.”

Kenny’s expression softened as he sat back down on the edge of the bed. “I’m not trying to be mean, Dee Dee. I just want you to take care of yourself. You’re no good to your Pokémon—or anyone else—if you push yourself too hard and make yourself worse.”

Dawn sighed, turning her face away from him. “I know. I just hate feeling useless.”

“You’re not useless,” Kenny said firmly. “You’re human. Everyone gets sick sometimes. It’s okay to take a break.”

She glanced back at him, her lips twitching into a reluctant smile. “You’re really annoying when you’re right, you know that?”

Kenny smirked, leaning down to press a quick kiss to her forehead. “It’s a gift.”

Dawn rolled her eyes again but let herself sink deeper into the blankets. “Fine. I’ll rest. But only because you’re being such a pain about it.”

“Good,” Kenny said with a grin, standing up and grabbing the tray. “I’ll check on you in a bit. Just shout if you need anything.”

As he walked out of the room, Dawn muttered under her breath, “Bossy boyfriend...” But deep down, she was grateful for his care—even if she’d never admit it outright.

An hour later, Dawn stirred awake, her chest tight and her breath ragged. As the seconds passed, the discomfort blossomed into full-blown pain, and it felt as though her lungs were on fire. Panic set in, and before she could think, a scream tore from her throat—raw, desperate, and filled with agony.

“KENNY!” she shrieked, clutching her chest as her body trembled.

The sound of her scream sent Kenny barreling into the room, his face pale with worry. He dropped whatever he’d been holding and sprinted to her bedside. “Easy, Dee Dee, easy!” he said, his voice steady but full of concern as he knelt down beside her. “I’m here. I’ve got you.”

Dawn gasped for air, her vision swimming with tears. “K-Kenny... I c-can’t... It h-hurts…”

“Shhh, I know,” Kenny said, his hands hovering before settling gently on her shoulders. “Just breathe with me, okay? Deep breaths. In and out.”

“I c-can’t!” Dawn sobbed, her chest heaving as she struggled to catch her breath. Her hands fisted in the blanket, her knuckles turning white.

“Yes, you can,” Kenny insisted, his voice calm but firm. “I’m right here. I won’t let anything happen to you. Look at me, Dee Dee.”

Her tear-filled eyes met his, and he gave her a small, reassuring nod. “That’s it. In through your nose, out through your mouth. Slowly.”

Though it felt impossible, Dawn tried to mimic his breathing. Her inhales were shaky, her exhales stuttered, but Kenny kept murmuring soothing words, his hand now gently rubbing her back.

“That’s it,” he said softly. “You’re doing great. Just keep going.”

After what felt like an eternity, the burning in her lungs began to ease, though the tightness in her chest remained. Dawn slumped against Kenny, her body trembling as the adrenaline wore off. He didn’t let go, wrapping his arms around her in a protective embrace.

“Good girl,” Kenny whispered, stroking her hair. “You’re okay now.”

Dawn clung to him, tears streaming down her face. “I thought—I thought I was dying, Kenny.”

“You’re not,” he said firmly, pulling back to look her in the eyes. “But we need to take this seriously. I think you’ve got more than just a fever, Dee Dee. I’m calling Nurse Joy.”

Dawn nodded weakly, too drained to argue. “Don’t leave me…”

“I won’t,” Kenny promised, cupping her cheek. “I’m staying right here.”

With one hand still holding Dawn, he reached for his phone on the bedside table and dialed Nurse Joy. As he spoke, his voice calm and steady, Dawn focused on the warmth of his presence, anchoring herself in the safety he provided.

Whatever was wrong, Kenny wouldn’t let her face it alone.

The news from Nurse Joy hit Kenny like a ton of bricks. Dawn’s fever and breathing troubles weren’t just from a passing illness—it was something far more serious. Pneumonia, severe enough that it had inflamed her lungs and left her dangerously weak. Nurse Joy had offered to have Dawn brought into the Pokémon Center for closer monitoring, but Dawn had refused to leave the comfort of her bed. Kenny had reluctantly agreed, on the condition that they follow every instruction Nurse Joy had given to the letter.

Now, Dawn was propped up against the wall, her body wrapped in blankets, her face pale and glistening with sweat. Her breathing was shallow, every breath a visible struggle. Kenny sat beside her on the bed, his hand clasping hers tightly, as if he could transfer some of his strength to her through sheer willpower.

“Kenny…” Dawn rasped, her voice barely audible. She tilted her head to look at him, her tired blue eyes brimming with unshed tears. “Is it… really that bad?”

Kenny’s grip on her hand tightened slightly. His face was calm, but his jaw was clenched, and his eyes betrayed the storm of worry raging inside him. “You’ll be okay, Dee Dee,” he said firmly, his voice unwavering. “You’re tough. You’ll beat this.”

Dawn tried to smile, but it didn’t reach her eyes. “I feel like I can’t even move. Like I’m… fading.”

“Don’t say that,” Kenny snapped, his voice sharp enough to make her blink in surprise. Immediately, his expression softened, guilt flickering across his face. “Sorry, I just… You can’t think like that, Dawn. You’re not fading. You’re still here, and I’m not going to let you give up.”

Dawn leaned her head back against the wall, her eyes fluttering closed for a moment. “I hate this,” she whispered. “I hate feeling so helpless.”

Kenny leaned closer, resting his forehead lightly against hers. “You’re not helpless, Dawn. You’re sick, and it’s my job to help you get through it. You’ve always been there for everyone else. Let me be here for you.”

Dawn’s lips quivered, and a tear slipped down her cheek. “I feel so weak.”

“That’s because you’re human,” Kenny said gently, wiping the tear away with his thumb. “And even humans need help sometimes. You’ve got me, Dee Dee. I’m not going anywhere.”

She let out a shaky breath, her free hand gripping his sleeve. “Promise?”

Kenny’s voice softened, filled with a rare tenderness. “I promise. I’ll stay right here, no matter what.”

For a long while, they sat there in silence, Kenny holding her hand as she leaned against him for support. The world outside the room didn’t matter—only Dawn and the fight she was waging against the illness that had taken hold of her.

“Kenny?” Dawn murmured after a while.

“Yeah?”

“You’re my rock,” she whispered, her voice breaking. “Thank you.”

Kenny swallowed the lump in his throat and pressed a kiss to her temple. “You don’t have to thank me, Dee Dee. I love you.”

And he stayed true to his word, never leaving her side.

Two hours later, Dawn and Kenny were still sitting in the same spot, her back propped up against the wall, his arm wrapped around her shoulders to keep her steady. Dawn’s breathing was slightly more even now, but her face remained pale, and her body shivered under the weight of the blankets Kenny had piled around her.

The sound of hurried footsteps echoed down the hall, and then the door swung open. Johanna, Dawn’s mother, rushed into the room, her face a mask of worry. “Dawn!” she exclaimed, her eyes immediately locking onto her daughter.

“M-Mom?” Dawn croaked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Johanna dropped her bag by the door and moved quickly to her daughter’s side. Her sharp, observant eyes scanned Dawn from head to toe, assessing her condition in an instant. “Oh, sweetheart,” she said, crouching down beside her and brushing Dawn’s damp bangs away from her forehead. “Why didn’t you tell me it was this bad?”

Dawn looked down, guilt flashing across her face. “I didn’t want to bother you… You’re always so busy…”

“Bother me?” Johanna’s voice broke slightly, and she shook her head. “Dawn, you’re my daughter. Nothing is more important than you.”

Kenny cleared his throat softly, drawing Johanna’s attention. “I called Nurse Joy as soon as I realized how serious it was,” he said, his voice calm but tinged with the same worry that had been eating at him for hours. “She said it’s pneumonia, and we’ve been following her instructions to keep Dawn stable.”

Johanna nodded, her gaze softening as she looked at Kenny. “Thank you, Kenny. For being here with her.”

Kenny gave a small, determined nod. “I wouldn’t leave her, Mrs. Hikari. She’s—” He paused, glancing at Dawn, who was watching him through half-lidded eyes. “She’s too important to me.”

Dawn’s lips twitched into a faint smile, though it was clear she was still exhausted. “Kenny’s been… really strict,” she murmured, her voice hoarse but teasing.

Johanna raised an eyebrow, a flicker of amusement breaking through her worry. “Strict, huh?”

“She wanted to train her Pokémon earlier,” Kenny said, shaking his head. “Had to basically pin her to the bed to stop her.”

Johanna chuckled softly, though her eyes glistened with unshed tears. “That sounds like my Dawn—always pushing herself too hard.”

“I just…” Dawn began, but her voice wavered, and she trailed off.

Johanna took her hand gently. “You don’t have to explain, sweetheart. I know how much your contests mean to you, but right now, you need to focus on getting better. That’s all that matters.”

Dawn nodded weakly, her eyes flickering closed for a moment before snapping open again. “Mom… are you mad at me?”

“Mad?” Johanna blinked, then shook her head firmly. “Of course not, Dawn. I’m just worried about you. I’m here now, and we’ll get through this together. You, me, and Kenny.”

Dawn glanced at Kenny, who squeezed her hand reassuringly. “See? You’ve got the best support team around, Dee Dee.”

“Don’t call me Dee Dee,” Dawn mumbled, though there was no heat behind her words.

Johanna smiled faintly, her hand brushing through Dawn’s hair. “Get some rest, darling. Kenny and I will be right here.”

For the first time in hours, Dawn relaxed fully, her body sinking into Kenny’s side as her mother sat on her other side, gently stroking her hair. She wasn’t alone—not with Kenny’s steady presence and her mother’s soothing care.

And for now, that was enough.

Dawn’s eyes fluttered open, and immediately she was hit with a suffocating sensation. Her chest felt like it was in a vice, her lungs refusing to draw in air. Her mouth opened as she tried to gasp, but no sound came out, and panic consumed her. She clawed at her throat, her vision blurring as the room spun around her.

“Dawn!” Kenny’s voice was sharp, filled with raw panic. He had been sitting beside her and immediately noticed her distress. He jumped to his feet, his face pale and frantic as he watched her struggle. “Dawn, breathe! Come on, Dee Dee, breathe!”

Dawn’s lips parted, but only a faint wheezing sound escaped, and her hand reached out toward him, trembling. Kenny grabbed her hand, squeezing it tightly as if his grip alone could fix everything. “No, no, no,” he muttered, his voice cracking. “Stay with me, Dee Dee! Don’t do this!”

“Kenny, what’s going on?!” Johanna’s voice came from the doorway, her expression turning to sheer horror as she saw her daughter’s condition. She rushed to the other side of the bed, placing a hand on Dawn’s forehead.

“She—she can’t breathe!” Kenny stammered, his breathing erratic as he looked at Johanna. “She’s not breathing, Mrs. Hikari! What do we do?!”

“Stay calm!” Johanna snapped, though her own voice was shaking. “We need to get her sitting up more. Help me!”

Kenny quickly propped Dawn up further, supporting her back as Johanna adjusted the pillows behind her. “Dawn, honey, try to take small breaths,” Johanna urged, her hands gently cupping Dawn’s face. “Don’t fight it. Just little breaths.”

Dawn’s wide, tear-filled eyes darted between them, her chest heaving as she tried and failed to inhale properly. Kenny’s panic boiled over. “This isn’t working! She’s getting worse! We need Nurse Joy—no, we need a hospital!”

Johanna nodded quickly. “Call Nurse Joy now, Kenny. Go!”

Kenny hesitated, his hand still gripping Dawn’s. “But I—”

“Go!” Johanna shouted, her tone making it clear there was no room for argument.

Kenny bolted from the room, fumbling with his phone as he dialed Nurse Joy. “It’s Dawn—she can’t breathe! Please, we need help right now!” His voice cracked, his panic audible even through the phone.

Back in the room, Johanna continued trying to calm Dawn. “Stay with me, sweetheart. Help is on the way.”

Moments later, Kenny burst back in, his face pale but resolute. “Nurse Joy’s sending help. They’re coming right now!”

Dawn’s wheezing grew fainter, her body slumping forward slightly. “No, no, no!” Kenny cried, rushing to her side. He placed both hands on her shoulders, tears streaming down his face. “Dawn, you have to fight! Please! Don’t give up!”

The sound of the doorbell rang out, signaling Nurse Joy’s emergency team had arrived. Kenny ran to let them in, leading the medics to Dawn’s bedside. They worked quickly, administering oxygen and stabilizing her condition while Kenny and Johanna hovered nearby, their faces etched with worry.

As the medics reassured them that Dawn was stable enough to be transported, Kenny leaned over her, his hand trembling as he brushed her hair back. “You scared the life out of me, Dee Dee,” he whispered, his voice choked. “Don’t you dare do that again. You hear me?”

Dawn’s weak eyes fluttered open slightly, and though she couldn’t speak, her fingers lightly squeezed his hand. It was the smallest gesture, but to Kenny, it was everything.

Outside the emergency room, Kenny stood frozen in place. His hands were clenched into fists at his sides, his nails digging into his palms. His breaths came in short, uneven gasps as he stared at the closed double doors, the red “EMERGENCY” sign above them glowing ominously.

His mind raced with worst-case scenarios, each more terrifying than the last. What if she doesn’t pull through? What if I lose her? What if this is the last time I ever hear her laugh, see her smile, call me ‘Ken-ken’ just to annoy me?

The overwhelming weight of his fear and helplessness pressed down on him like a ton of bricks, but he didn’t move. He couldn’t. He just stood there, his body rigid, his eyes unfocused.

Then, out of nowhere, a gentle hand rested on his shoulder. Kenny flinched slightly, startled, and turned his head to see Johanna standing beside him. Her usually composed face was softened with understanding, her eyes filled with the same worry that mirrored his own.

“Kenny,” she said softly, her voice steady but kind. “You don’t have to hold it all in. Let it out, dear. Let it all out.”

For a moment, Kenny just stared at her, his lips pressed into a thin line, his body trembling as he fought to maintain his composure. But Johanna didn’t move her hand. Her touch was steady, grounding. Her gaze was warm, inviting him to release the storm inside him.

And then, like a dam breaking, it all came pouring out.

“I-I can’t lose her,” Kenny choked, his voice breaking as tears spilled down his cheeks. His shoulders began to shake as he buried his face in his hands. “I can’t… I don’t know what I’ll do if—if something happens to her…”

Johanna gently guided him into a chair, sitting down beside him. She wrapped an arm around his shoulders, holding him close as he broke down. “It’s okay, Kenny,” she murmured, her voice soothing. “You’ve been so strong for her. You’ve done everything you could. Now it’s time to let yourself feel.”

Kenny shook his head, his voice muffled by his hands. “She’s everything to me, Mrs. Hikari. She’s my best friend, my partner, my… my everything. I don’t know how to be okay without her.”

Johanna’s grip on him tightened slightly, her own eyes glistening with unshed tears. “And she knows that, Kenny. She knows how much you love her. That’s why she’s fighting so hard to stay with us. Because she knows you’re here, rooting for her.”

Kenny let out a shaky sob, leaning into Johanna’s comforting embrace. “I just—she was so scared, and I couldn’t do anything. I felt so useless.”

“You weren’t useless,” Johanna said firmly, pulling back slightly to look him in the eyes. “You were there for her when she needed you most. You held her hand, kept her grounded. That’s not nothing, Kenny. That’s love.”

Kenny nodded weakly, wiping his face with the back of his hand. “I just want her to be okay. I’ll do anything.”

“And she will be,” Johanna said with quiet certainty, her voice a soothing balm to his frayed nerves. “She’s strong, Kenny. Just like you. And no matter what happens, we’ll face it together.”

For a long moment, they sat there in silence, Kenny leaning against Johanna as he tried to steady his breathing. The storm of emotions within him began to settle, though the fear still lingered like a shadow.

But as Johanna’s hand rested gently on his shoulder, Kenny felt a small flicker of hope. He wasn’t alone in this fight for Dawn—not with Johanna by his side, not with the love they both shared for the girl fighting behind those doors. And for now, that was enough to keep him standing.

Two hours later, Kenny sat slumped in a chair outside the emergency room, leaning heavily against Johanna’s shoulder. The tension in his body had finally given way to exhaustion, and he had drifted off into a fitful sleep. Even as he rested, his face was etched with worry, and soft, broken murmurs escaped his lips.

“Dawn… please,” he whispered, his brow furrowing. “Don’t leave me, Dee Dee… my dear girl…”

Johanna looked down at him, her heart aching. She adjusted her arm around his shoulders, cradling him gently as if he were her own child. His vulnerability struck a deep chord within her. The boy who had been so steadfast for Dawn was now unraveling, even in sleep, his subconscious consumed by fear for the girl he loved.

“It’s going to be okay,” Johanna whispered, though the reassurance was as much for herself as it was for Kenny. She reached up with her free hand to smooth his unruly hair, her touch light and maternal. “You’ve done so much for her, Kenny. She knows how much she means to you.”

Kenny stirred slightly, his hand twitching as if reaching for someone. “Dawn… I’m here,” he mumbled, his voice hoarse. “I’ll always be here…”

Johanna’s throat tightened as she watched him, his words filled with raw emotion even in the haze of sleep. She had always admired Kenny’s devotion to Dawn, but seeing him like this—so completely consumed by worry—made her realize just how deep his love ran. He wasn’t just a friend or a companion. He was her daughter’s anchor, her unwavering support.

Minutes stretched into another hour, and Johanna remained still, letting Kenny rest against her. The quiet hum of the hospital filled the air, broken only by the occasional shuffle of footsteps or the beep of distant monitors. Every now and then, Kenny would mumble something incoherent, his face tightening as though reliving the moment Dawn had struggled to breathe.

Finally, his murmurs softened, his breathing becoming more even. Johanna shifted slightly, careful not to wake him, and whispered, “You’re stronger than you think, Kenny. She’s lucky to have you.”

As the emergency room doors swung open, a nurse stepped out, her expression calm but serious. Johanna straightened, her hand still resting on Kenny’s shoulder. “Is she okay?” she asked quietly, not wanting to disturb the sleeping boy.

The nurse nodded. “She’s stable for now. Still critical, but she’s responding to treatment.”

Johanna let out a shaky breath of relief, her eyes closing briefly in gratitude. She turned to Kenny, who stirred slightly at the sound of her voice.

“Kenny,” Johanna said softly, shaking him gently. “Wake up, dear. There’s news about Dawn.”

His eyes fluttered open, and for a moment, confusion clouded his gaze. Then reality came crashing back, and he bolted upright. “Dawn? What about Dawn? Is she—?”

“She’s stable,” Johanna interrupted, placing a calming hand on his arm. “The nurse says she’s responding to treatment.”

Kenny let out a breath he didn’t realize he’d been holding, his hands trembling. “Thank Arceus,” he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. He buried his face in his hands for a moment before looking up at the nurse. “Can I see her? Please?”

The nurse hesitated. “She’s still very weak. But once she’s moved to a recovery room, you can see her briefly.”

Kenny nodded quickly, determination flickering in his tired eyes. “I’ll wait. However long it takes, I’ll wait.”

Johanna placed a comforting hand on his back. “We’ll wait together, Kenny. She’ll be so happy to see you when she wakes up.”

Kenny’s lips pressed into a tight line as he looked back toward the doors that separated him from Dawn. “I just want her to know she’s not alone. That I’m here.”

And as he settled back into his chair, Johanna stayed by his side, the two of them united in their unwavering hope for Dawn’s recovery.

The moment Nurse Joy gave the okay, Kenny didn’t waste a single second. He bolted down the hallway, his footsteps echoing through the sterile corridor as if nothing else in the world mattered. Johanna called after him, but he didn’t stop—his only thought was reaching Dawn.

When he threw open the door to her recovery room, the sight before him stopped him in his tracks. Dawn was sitting up in bed, her face pale but her familiar, radiant smile breaking through the exhaustion. Her eyes lit up the moment she saw him.

“Kenny!” she said, her voice a little raspy but filled with warmth.

Before she could say anything else, Kenny crossed the room in a blur and wrapped his arms around her tightly, pulling her into a fierce hug. Dawn let out a surprised laugh as she was enveloped in his embrace.

“Dee Dee!” Kenny’s voice cracked, his emotions spilling over. “Don’t ever scare me like that again! Do you hear me? Don’t ever—”

Dawn laughed softly, resting her cheek against his shoulder. “Okay, okay, Ken-ken. No need to worry!”

“No need to worry?!” Kenny pulled back slightly to look her in the eyes, his own glistening with unshed tears. “You couldn’t breathe! You—you almost—” His voice broke, and he shook his head, pressing his forehead against hers. “I thought I lost you.”

Dawn’s smile softened, and she reached up to brush his cheek with her fingers. “You didn’t lose me, Kenny. I’m still here.”

Kenny tightened his grip on her, as if afraid she might vanish if he let go. “I don’t care how cheesy it sounds, Dawn. I can’t live without you. I was losing my mind out there.”

Dawn giggled, though her voice carried a tender note. “You’re such a worrywart. But I’m glad you’re here.”

“Of course I’m here!” Kenny exclaimed, his voice rising slightly in disbelief. “Where else would I be?”

From the doorway, Johanna stood watching with a fond smile. “She’s lucky to have you, Kenny,” she said softly, stepping into the room.

Dawn turned her head and grinned at her mother. “Hi, Mom. Guess I gave everyone a bit of a scare, huh?”

Johanna walked over to the other side of the bed, placing a hand on Dawn’s shoulder. “You have no idea, sweetheart.”

Kenny still hadn’t let go, his arms loosely wrapped around her now. “You think this is funny, huh?” he muttered, though his voice was filled with affection. “I was out there freaking out, and you’re just sitting here laughing.”

“Well, I’m alive, aren’t I?” Dawn teased, poking his chest lightly. “That’s something to laugh about, isn’t it?”

Kenny stared at her for a moment, his lips twitching before he finally cracked a small smile. “Yeah. I guess it is.”

Dawn beamed, reaching up to ruffle his hair. “See? No need to worry, Ken-ken.”

He groaned, though it lacked any real annoyance. “Don’t call me that.”

Johanna chuckled, watching the two with a mixture of amusement and relief. Dawn might not have been completely out of the woods yet, but seeing her smiling and laughing with Kenny made it clear that she was on her way to recovery—and she had someone by her side who would never let her face it alone.