The Ending
It's funny, I always thought I would outlive you. Then again Sam, you were always made out of tougher stuff. After all, it wasn't every hobbit that could visit the dark side of Middle Earth and come back as happy and beautiful as you.
"I love you Mrs. Rosie Gamgee." You say. In that same wistful, romantic way you said it back when we were young, the same way you have been saying during all of our years together.
"I love you too Mr. Sam Gamgee." And I always will, but you know that already. I am holding your hand. It is weathered, wrinkled. A testament to the years that have passed and what you have had to endure. You squeeze mine and even now, I am surprise to see that my hand looks like yours, as if we are made of the same cloth. "Would you do me a favor?"
"Anything you ask my darling."
"Would you, read me a bit from your book? I mean, I know it's not completely yours, but just read me your sections. I want to know what happens in the end."
"You already knows what happens, the young hobbit lad marries the lass of his dreams and they live happily ever after with many a children and grandchildren."
Your voice is reassuring, warm, with a spark of humor, as if you can talk to me like this for the rest of our lives. And indeed, you have. That's why I fell in love with you, you were always so happy, loving, and kind to others, no matter what. I always said that you had a heart that could fill the whole of Middle Earth, though you always dismiss it as a wife's adoration, preferring to be humble, never realizing your many beautiful qualities. But I knew them and I like to think, in your eyes, that was enough.
"Yes, but will you please humor a lass before her bedtime?"
You smile, and I can see the sadness in your eyes. I place my hand on your cheek, it's rougher now than it was then, the bones in your face more defined. But your eyes…your eyes are the same. They're the same warm brown of that young hobbit that I fell for all those years ago. And that is a comfort.
"Anything for my Rosie." You get up and walk out into the study, where the book lies resting on the table. So many times have I came in, bringing you your afternoon tea or to call you for dinner and my eyes would fall on that book. And on your hand, the words you write. You don't mind as I read over your shoulder, as I was wont to do during those times. "Can you not wait until I finish it?" You ask me, smiling.
I say of course not, "Considering how long it has become, I may be dead before it is done." Of course, I was wrong, and you are finished with it, and I am waiting for you to read to me the end, since I never really got to that part.
You come back, with that beautiful book in hand. You pull up your chair beside me and put on your reading glasses. I never liked those things, though they made you look wiser. But they covered your eyes. You flip to the right pages and begin. Your voice lulls me, like a bird's song through a forest of trees, with me lying among the grass.
I am tired now. My eyes feel heavy, I try to keep them open. Try to keep the sound of your voice close. But it is becoming more difficult. It is fading, like the rays of the sun that clings to the last of the horizon before disappearing. I try to concentrate on you. Your voice, the warmth of your hand, your face. Sam, my Sam. The exhaustion slowly overcomes me, your voice is the last thing that I hear, your hand the last thing I feel. You never reach the ending but it is fine. I already know.
But I will be waiting, for you to come and tell it to me. I love you. Good night, my dear Sam.
A/N:
Wow, this is my first LOTR story after such a long time (I won't say how long, 'tis quite embarrassing). How I've missed the fandom and its wonderful characters. Hopefully, I have not lost my touch. I hope the characters aren't too OOC. Please review and tell me what you think.