Kenny continued to hold Dawn as she sobbed into his shoulder, her small frame shaking with every cry. He rested his chin lightly on her head, rubbing gentle circles on her back.

“It’s okay, Dawn,” Kenny murmured softly. “Let it all out. You’ve been holding it in for too long.”

Dawn’s fingers clutched at his shirt, her voice muffled against his shoulder. “Why does it feel so impossible, Kenny? I work so hard… I try so much, but it never feels like enough.”

Kenny tightened his hold, his voice steady and filled with warmth. “Because sometimes it’s not about winning. It’s about how you stand back up after falling down. You’re Dawn Hikari. You don’t quit, and you don’t run away just because it gets tough.”

From the doorway, Ash scratched the back of his head, whispering to Brock, “Should we say something? Or…?”

Brock shook his head with a knowing smile. “No. Kenny’s got this. Sometimes it’s better to let someone who knows them best handle it.”

Dawn pulled back slightly, her face streaked with tears. Her voice wavered as she said, “But what if I fall again, Kenny? What if I keep failing?”

Kenny took her hands in his and looked directly into her eyes. “Then I’ll be right here to help you up. Every single time. You’re not doing this alone, Dawn. Not now, not ever. You’ve got me. And I know for a fact you’ve got Ash and Brock, too. We all believe in you.”

Dawn sniffled, her lips trembling. “You really believe in me that much?”

“Of course I do,” Kenny said without hesitation. “You’re one of the most talented people I know. And it’s okay to feel down sometimes, but you don’t stay there, alright? You fight your way back up. That’s what makes you amazing.”

Dawn hesitated for a moment, then threw her arms around Kenny’s neck, pulling him into another hug. “Thank you,” she whispered. “Thank you for always being there for me.”

Kenny smiled softly, patting her back. “Always, Dee Dee.”

Dawn managed a small laugh through her tears, playfully shoving him. “Don’t call me that.”

“There she is,” Kenny said, grinning. “There’s the Dawn I know.”

Ash stepped into the room cautiously, clearing his throat. “Uh, Dawn? Are you feeling any better now?”

Dawn turned to look at him, her cheeks still wet but her expression more composed. “Yeah. Thanks, Ash. And sorry for worrying you.”

Brock walked in, his arms crossed. “You don’t have to apologize, Dawn. Everyone has moments like this. But the important thing is, you’ve got people who care about you.”

Dawn smiled faintly. “I guess I do.”

Kenny stood up and stretched, offering Dawn a hand. “Come on. Let’s go outside and do some training. You and Ambipom still have so much potential to show the world.”

Dawn hesitated but then took his hand, letting him pull her to her feet. “Alright. But you’re helping.”

“Obviously,” Kenny said with a playful smirk. “I’m your unofficial coach, after all.”

As the group headed outside, the fresh air seemed to lift some of the weight off Dawn’s shoulders. Ambipom was waiting for her, looking concerned but eager. Dawn crouched down to hug her Pokémon tightly. “I’m sorry for doubting us, Ambipom. Let’s do our best together, okay?”

Ambipom chirped happily, her tail patting Dawn’s back in reassurance.

Ash crossed his arms and grinned. “Now that’s the Dawn we know! Let’s see what you’ve got!”

The rest of the afternoon was spent training. Kenny and Ash helped Dawn fine-tune Ambipom’s moves, while Brock gave pointers on timing and combinations. Dawn’s determination grew with every practice round, her confidence slowly returning.

By the time the sun began to set, Dawn was smiling genuinely again. She wiped the sweat from her brow and turned to Kenny. “Thanks for everything today. I… I think I really needed this.”

Kenny grinned. “Anytime, Dee Dee.”

Dawn rolled her eyes but couldn’t hide the smile on her face. “You’re impossible.”

As the four of them walked back to the Pokémon Center, Dawn felt a spark of hope reignite within her. She wasn’t alone, and as long as she had her friends—and Kenny—by her side, she knew she could face whatever challenges came her way.