"Come on," Simon said to Frodo and Sam. "Follow me."

They both agreed, but were reluctant to leave the warmth of the fire.

He led them down a small hallway, and opened a door, "Ya' can sleep here tonight."

Looking inside, they noticed the room was basically empty, except for two beds and a small table.

Simon set a lamp on the table, "Either o' you hungry?"

Sam and Frodo both shook their heads. "No thank you, Simon," Frodo said.

"Alright," Simon shrugged, and left the room.

"I know it's early, Mr. Frodo," Sam said, yawning. "But I'm tired - I'm going to bed."

"Okay," Frodo nodded. "I think I will, too." Then he thought of something. "Sam," he asked curiously. "Do you still feel as bad as before?"

Sam nodded slowly, "Yes."

"I'm sorry," Frodo told him. "I should've turned back the first time you said you weren't feeling well."

"No, it's okay," Sam told him. "You suggested turning back, but I said no."

"Why?" Frodo asked. "If you--"

"I was glad that you asked me to come," Sam interrupted. "And I didn't wanna seem like I was complainin'."

Frodo smiled, "I wouldn't have minded…"

Sam shrugged, and crawled into one bed, while Frodo crawled into the other.

~~~~~

~~~~~

"Mr. Frodo?" Sam groaned as he slowly woke up. "Mr. Frodo?" he called again.

"Feel any better?" Frodo asked as he sat down on Sam's bed.

"No," Sam admitted. He started coughing, "I wish I was home!"

Frodo nodded sympathetically, "I know." He felt Sam's forehead, noticing it was a bit warm. He smiled, "I'm gonna go see if Simon will give us a ride into town." He stood up, and suddenly felt dizzy. He reached for one of the bedposts to steady himself.

"Are you okay?" Sam asked, concerned.

"Yeah, Sam," Frodo said, when the feeling passed. "I'm fine." He turned and gave Sam a reassuring smile, before heading out the door. Slowly, he made his way to the kitchen.

"Mornin'," Simon greeted him, as Frodo took a seat at the table, and put his head in his hands.

Frodo looked up and gave a small smile, "Good morning."

"Ya' know, ya' both are pretty sick," Simon said. It wasn't a question, but an observation.

Frodo was silent. Finally, he sighed, and nodded. He looked out the window and commented, "It sure looks different that it did yesterday." The sun was shining bright, and there were no clouds to be seen.

"Uh huh," Simon replied, his attention mostly on fixing breakfast.

Frodo looked back at Simon. "I know it's sunny, but neither of us are feeling very well," he said nervously. "Would you mind giving us a ride into town?"

Simon turned to look at him. "No, I wouldn't mind that," he started.

"Really? Thanks, we'd really appreciate it," Frodo said thankfully.

"Now, you just wait, you didn't let me finish," Simon said quickly. "I said I wouldn't mind that… but, I can't."

Frodo was confused, "Why not?"

"My cart's broken," Simon explained, a little grumpy. "I've been plannin' to fix it, but I couldn't with those storms."

"Oh…" Frodo said. "Sorry." They were both silent for a while. "Well," Frodo sighed. "Is there anything else we can do? I mean, yesterday Sam felt so bad, he almost couldn't keep going. I just don't think he could go all the way home today."

Simon shook his head, "I'm sorry." Then he added, "If you're both sick, I don't think you should be goin' out anyway."

"We have to," Frodo told him. "We're supposed to be home today! If we don't go, my uncle and his parents will get worried!"

Simon sighed, "You know I don't think you should, but if you're fixed on going, I can't help you. I'm sorry."

Frodo looked away. He knew how Sam felt – just plain lousy! He couldn't make Sam walk home! But what else could he do? If they didn't go home, everyone would wonder where they were… Besides, they would both rather be at home. He had to go, but Sam couldn't. If he went, he would have to go alone… But was it a good idea?

~~~~~

To Be Continued…