Chapter 1

"Quite lovely out today, isn't it Sam?" Frodo said. He was out in the front garden of Bag End. Sam was busily weeding the vegetables.

"'Tis, Mr. Frodo." Sam replied. He pulled the last few bits of Kingsfoil from the carrots when he looked up. His Master was sitting in a chair near the front window. In his hands he held a leather bound book. Sam recognized it as one of Mr. Bilbo's old writing books. He had shelves of books. Some he simply read and some he wrote in. It was obvious to Sam that his Master truly missed Mr. Bilbo. But maybe that wasn't it. Maybe there was something else bothering Frodo. Even on a beautiful day like this day, Sam could see his Master's distress.

"Mr. Frodo?" Sam started as he stood up and brushed the dirt from his hands. "Are you alright, Mr. Frodo? Are you ill?" Kneeling down next to the chair, Sam studied the aging hobbit who sat before him. Frodo had endured much since Bilbo first left Hobbiton on his 111st birthday. Since he left Frodo the last thing he ever wanted. Since the long journey across Middle-Earth that almost claimed his life.

"No Sam, I'm fine." Frodo said solemnly. He placed a marker in the book and gently closed the cover. His eyes gazed out over the landscape of Hobbiton. The lush green grass covering the rolling hills. The beautiful flowers bloomed all around him. Frodo sighed heavily and closed his eyes.

"Then what's wrong, Mr. Frodo?" Sam was very concerned. It had occurred to him that Frodo had become increasingly secluded in Bag End. He so seldom left nowadays.

"I'm just tired Sam." Frodo said slowly opening his eyes. The sun was bright and his eyes stung and watered as they were exposed to the harsh light. "Perhaps I'll return inside."

"But it's such a beautiful day. You said it yourself." Sam said, in an attempt to help his Master enjoy the time outdoors he so rarely allowed himself. Suddenly noticing Frodo's tortured eyes, Sam rose quickly. "Shall I get you hat, Mr. Frodo? It may help?" Frodo turned and gave Sam a faint smile.

"No thank you Sam. I believe I'll just return to the study." Rising from his chair, with a little help from Sam, Frodo held his Uncle's book against his chest. His partial finger lay across the title.

"Will you be needing anything, Mr. Frodo?" Sam asked. Frodo turned around and looked at his dear, faithful friend.

"No Sam. I'll be fine. Why don't you go home to Rosie and Eleanor?" Frodo said with a slight nod.

"Are you sure you'll be alright?" Sam inquired again. Frodo simply nodded. "Good afternoon, Mr. Frodo." Sam said with a small bow and gathered up his tools. He exited though the garden gate then, he turned to make sure it has securely close behind him. Just as a persuasion. After he was sure it was secure, he began down the road to #3 Bagshot Row, softly singing a familiar tune,

"The road goes ever on and on. Down from the door where it began..."

Frodo smiled. His heard was warmed at that moment. He looked again at the Shire landscape, then entered the hole under the hill and closed the door to Bag End behind him.