" Get up." Someone said as they pulled Dawn's blanket off. Dawn turned.

Zoey.

" Zoey, I don't care what you say but nothing ANYONE does is gonna convince me to move." Dawn snapped, grabbing the blanket and pulling it on herself again.

" Even me?* Another voice asked.

Dawn didn't even bother to look.

The person sighed. " Oh Dawn...."

Dawn didn't even care.

Then she felt the mattress sink a little.

Then the bed moved.

Then the edge of the blanket was lifted, and someone scooted in.

Then two warm arms wrapped around Dawn and hugged her tight.

There, lying down next to her, was her Auburn haired prince.

Her one and only .

" What do you want?" Dawn muttered into his chest.

" To make sure that you get out of your depression."

Zoey nodded slightly to the boy, and he nodded.

" I'll see you outside, Dawn. Good luck, Kenny. You'll need it."

Kenny grinned. " Don't worry. I'm her boyfriend. I think I would know how to snap my Dee Dee out of a funk."

Zoey shrugged. " Your call."

As soon as the door clicked shut, Kenny shifted closer to Dawn, pulling her snugly into his embrace. His warmth seeped through her stubborn resistance, and she felt the steady, calming rhythm of his heartbeat against her ear.

“You know,” Kenny began softly, his voice gentle but firm, “you can try to keep stuff from me all you want, Dee Dee. But it’s not gonna work.”

Dawn groaned, burying her face deeper into his chest. “I don’t know what you’re talking about…”

Kenny chuckled, the sound vibrating through her as he held her tighter. “Oh, come on. You’re the worst liar ever. I’ve known you since we were kids, remember? I can always tell when something’s bothering you.”

Dawn didn’t respond, but Kenny didn’t seem to mind. He just kept holding her, his hand rubbing slow, soothing circles on her back.

“Talk to me, Dee Dee,” he murmured after a moment. “You don’t have to carry whatever this is by yourself. I’m here. I’m always here.”

Dawn hesitated, her hands clutching the fabric of his shirt. “I… I don’t even know what to say, Kenny,” she admitted quietly, her voice muffled. “I just feel… stuck. Like I’m not good enough. Like no matter what I do, it’s not enough.”

Kenny frowned, his heart aching at the vulnerability in her voice. “Dawn…”

“I try so hard,” she continued, her voice trembling. “But it’s like… everyone else is ahead of me. Zoey, Ash, May… even you, Kenny. I feel like I’m just falling behind.”

Kenny pulled back slightly, just enough to tilt her chin up so she could meet his gaze. His eyes were full of warmth and determination.

“Hey,” he said firmly, his tone soft but unwavering. “First of all, you’re not falling behind. You’re one of the most incredible people I know, Dawn. You’ve got more talent, heart, and determination than half the trainers and coordinators out there combined.”

Dawn looked away, her cheeks flushed, but Kenny gently turned her face back toward him.

“Second,” he continued, his voice lowering, “it’s okay to feel stuck sometimes. It doesn’t mean you’re failing. It just means you’re human. And you don’t have to figure it all out alone, okay? You’ve got me. Always.”

Dawn blinked up at him, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. “Kenny…”

He smiled softly, brushing a strand of hair out of her face. “I know it’s hard, Dee Dee. But you’re not alone. And you’re never gonna be alone, not as long as I’m around. Got it?”

For the first time in days, Dawn felt a tiny flicker of hope spark inside her. She nodded slowly, her voice barely above a whisper. “Got it.”

Kenny’s grin widened, and he pulled her back into his arms, holding her close enough that she could hear his steady heartbeat again.

“Good,” he murmured. “Now, you’re gonna stay here as long as you need to. But when you’re ready, I’m taking you outside, and we’re gonna face the world together. Deal?”

Dawn smiled faintly, her cheek resting against his chest. “Deal.”

And for the first time in what felt like forever, Dawn felt like things might actually be okay.