A/N: Look! Look! The last chapter! I told you I'd post it soon and this
time I didn't lie. Thanks to all my reviewers for taking the time to read
this story- you have blown me away with the responses. (And given me a huge
ego boost also). I was convinced this story would be a pathetic excuse for
a fanfiction after reading all the other fantastic ones out there, and
you've proven me wrong. Now I'm being attacked by muses around every
corner.
Once again, thanks to NarsilC, ShireElf, and Eowyn for support (i.e. driving me up the wall until I update). And especially to Eowyn for giving me the chance to have German readers read my story as well. If you're interested, I would recommend you go to her website www.people.freenet.de/lotrfanfiction. It has some of the best LOTR stories I've read.
Thanks for sticking with me and here's the last chapter!
CHAPTER 14
Samwise Gamgee stood before his open window, gazing ahead at the fiery orange sunset over the city. His time here was over. He turned to see his open pack lying on the bed; contents spread all about his little room. He was leaving tomorrow, leaving at last to go home. As much as he wanted to see the Shire again he believed the constant ache in his heart would be even worse there, among so many memories. He was returning home, but Frodo wasn't.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
A lot had happened during the last few weeks. But it all blurred together now for Sam, one long confusing day it seemed to him; so many people coming in and out, so many new faces. And all the while he seemed only to be observing it all, not really being there. He was trapped in a place they could not know, drowning in his own sadness.
He had begun to learn how to control his emotions, or at least hide them as best he could. His face became like a wall, and no one could see through. No one must know of what he was haunted by. But two people always seemed to figure it out, always seemed to know when the sadness became too much again.
A few days after Gandalf's first visit, Merry and Pippin had come to see Sam for the first time. He had been sitting alone in his room, staring out that same window, contemplating what Gandalf had told him. He found it amazing, but ever since then Sam had been able to hear Frodo's voice clearly in his head whenever he wanted to. Sometimes it comforted him, but most of the time it only pained him. Yet he did not want to forget it, it was all he had to hold on to.
Merry and Pippin had sat with him for hours that day. At first saying nothing, just merely being beside him. He could see the grief in their eyes, and the questions they longed to ask him. He wondered if he could bring himself to repeat it all one more time. He needed to. So once again Sam opened up and told Frodo's cousins of what had happened to him. When he was finished Pippin had his face buried in Merry's shoulder. Merry said nothing, merely looked at Sam. Then he placed his hand on Sam's shoulder. "Thank you, Sam."
After that they came to see Sam every day, usually bringing along some food or stories for him. With time Sam even found himself nearly forgetting his sorrows for a few moments as he listened to Pippin's chatter. They filled him in on all that happened since they had separated that day that seemed ages upon ages ago and Sam marveled at the amazing height they had acquired.
Somehow Frodo always seemed to pop into their conversations. Whether it was a story of their childhood or merely a thought, he always seemed to be there. Most of the time whenever Frodo's name was mentioned Sam would become quiet, listening rather than talking. But during one particularly interesting story of days long passed in the Shire, Sam spoke up himself, adding in his views. Merry and Pippin smiled to each other when Sam turned away. He may finally be healing.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Sam looked into his pack, searching for the precious objects he had stowed away first. The day before when Merry and Pippin had come to his room they had brought something different than their usual snacks and conversation.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Sam had looked curiously at the bundle in Pippin's arms as he approached.
"Sam," he said very quietly, unusual for Pippin, even with all that had happened. Pippin opened his mouth but realized he could hardly manage to say anything else and simply placed the bundle in Sam's lap. Sam noticed his green eyes bright with tears.
Sam looked down at the bundle and gasped. There lay Frodo's gray Elven cloak from Lorien, his mithril vest, and Sam's own short sword. Sam held the garments in his hands and buried his face into the fabric. Merry and Pippin watched in silence for a few moments as Sam's small shoulders shook with sobs, then they climbed up on the bed, one on either side of Sam.
Slowly Sam looked up at Pippin, his face streaming with tears. "It's just not fair, Mr. Pippin." He managed to stutter. "It wasn't fair. I shoulda been the one to get hurt, not him. He didn't deserve it. He had a job to do, it shouldn't have happened. I keep thinking I coulda prevented it, but I didn't know what to do. I know everyone keeps sayin' it wasn't my fault, but I can't help thinkin' it was. What if there was something I could of done for him? I didn't do anything, just sat there are watched him die." He broke into a new wave of tears, but scrubbed them away with the backs of his hands and continued.
"You don't know what it was like, no one does. To just see him fading away from me-oh, I woulda given anything to switch places with him right then. He was in so much pain and so afraid. Why him? Why not me? I keep askin' myself that and I can't figure out why. And now he's gone, gone forever. And I'm left behind all alone without him. Sometimes I wonder how I'll ever live without him being there. What will I do? I feel so alone. I just wish he were here. What I wouldn't do to see him one more time. It was the hardest thing I ever done, leaving him I mean. But I had to. I hope he can forgive me."
He paused, staring down at his clenched hands, tears falling onto the bed and he made no attempt to stem the flow. "I'm sorry, Mr. Frodo." He whispered, so softly Merry and Pippin couldn't be sure they ever really heard it at all.
Merry looked down at the cloak and mithril coat sitting in a heap in Sam's lap and noticed for the first time he had tears running down his face as well. He missed his cousin horribly; Frodo had always been there for him and now he was gone. But he couldn't imagine what it must have been like for Sam. And even though Sam's heart had been shattered by the death of his master he hadn't stopped. He had continued on. It was probably thanks to Sam the world held any happiness. It just wasn't fair that the world was rebuilding itself, rejoicing, when it's little savior sat in here all alone, lost in his own grief.
Pippin merely sat staring at Sam. He had only heard bits and pieces of the story from Gandalf, but to hear it straight from Sam, the only one who had been there, was so different. His eyes were wide with shock and grief. Is that really how it all came about? Pippin could nearly feel his heart breaking all over again for this small, weather-beaten hobbit sitting beside him. This was the most Sam had spoken to anyone about anything since it had happened. They had hoped Sam would find it within himself to pick up the broken pieces of his life and maybe continue on once more. Now he looked at the grief stricken hobbit before him and wondered if it was possible.
Without ever saying a word the two held him in their arms, their tears mingling with his. They sat like that for a long time in silence, thinking back on all they had been through over the past months and clutching the pieces of clothes tightly to them, the only thing they felt they had left of their friend.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Sam looked down at the cloak he held in his hands now and ran his fingers through the cloth. He could feel fresh tears tickling the back of his eyes. They always seemed to be there, just waiting to spill over. He sighed and pressed his cheek to the smooth fabric.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Over time he had reunited with the rest of the remaining Fellowship. Sam thoroughly expected to be bombarded with questions and have to explain it all again, but surprisingly he was not. They were quiet and did not press him at all. Sam decided someone, Gandalf probably, had already told them. And, unlike the other people he had seen on his few brief outings from his room, they did not looks at him with sympathy, just quiet sadness.
He learned that Aragorn was to be crowned king and, after a bit of persuasion, had agreed to attend the ceremony. It had been the first time he had left his little room since waking. The whole ordeal had been loud with a lot of people crowding around, but in the end he was glad he had attended anyway. Merry and Pippin stood on either side of him, and Merry took his hand comfortingly as Aragorn addressed the city about the triumphs and the losses of the war. He spoke briefly of Frodo and Sam could not stop the tears that silently fell.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
But now all of that was over, and he was heading home. To what, he was not sure. He was not even sure if he wanted to return home without his master. What kinds of curious questions would he have to answer to there? But he knew he must go, the Shire was where he belonged.
Sam carefully folded the cloak and placed it back into the bottom of his pack. He packed up the rest of his small belongings and climbed under the covers, gazing out at the now star-filled night sky. How would he ever continue living like this?
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
When Sam opened his eyes he saw bright blue sky above him. He frowned. What was going on? Slowly he rolled over and caught sight of the grass he was lying on. He quickly sat up and looked around.
"Sam?"
At the sound of that voice Sam spun around so fast he almost toppled back over. There was Frodo standing behind him, looking perfectly healthy and happy. Sam attempted to stand but tripped over his own two feet and landed back down on the grass with a thump, all the while staring in awe at his master who stood before him. Frodo suppressed a giggle and moved forward to help him up. Eventually Sam stood eye-to-eye with the one person he thought he would never see again.
Frodo's eyes were bright and sparkled with happiness as he looked at Sam. Slowly he frowned in concern. "What's the matter, Sam? Do you feel alright?"
Sam shook his head slowly. "No. Fine, I'm fine." He stumbled over the words like he had forgotten how to speak them. Without warning or even stopping to think he caught Frodo in a hug and buried his face in his friend's shoulder, laughing out loud. Frodo, caught by surprise, nearly fell over. "Sam!" he laughed, hugging him back. Sam let go and backed away a little, still trying to make himself believe it.
"You're alright Mr. Frodo?" Frodo, still a little confused, nodded slowly. "Yes. Fine, Sam." He smiled and Sam's heart leaped for joy. There he was, Frodo was all right.
Frodo laughed at the look on Sam's face and Sam couldn't have been happier. It had been so long since he had heard that laugh.
The rest of the day was a blur of color and happiness. He was in the Shire, just outside Bag End, all as it was so long ago. Things were bright green, the garden looked wonderful. But above it all, he was there with his master, happy and free. They spent their time walking and talking and laughing. Passing by all the wonderful places Sam knew so well and thought he would never see again. He still could hardly believe it.
Frodo chattered happily with nearly no end. Sam merely looked all around him, taking it all in with hungry eyes. "Sam?" Frodo had stopped talking and taken his hand. Sam turned and stared into worried blue eyes. Then he suddenly realized he had tears on his cheeks. He hastily brushed them off. "What's wrong, Sam?"
"Nothing," Sam mumbled. "Just happy, I suppose." Frodo frowned, but didn't question him anymore.
Before Sam knew it the day was over and they had returned to Bag End. Since they had spent their day feasting on berries they found all over neither was very hungry so they both sat down in the garden, right where Sam had woken up earlier, and gazed at the stars. They sat for a long time in silence, just being together. Then, slowly, Frodo began to speak.
"Sam," He said quietly, looking his friend in the eye. "It's almost time."
Sam looked puzzled. "Time? Time for what?"
Frodo sighed and took his hand. "I have to go now, Sam. I can't stay here." Sam could see tears swimming in his master's blue eyes.
"What?" He stammered, his heart quickening. "Why?"
Frodo looked at him seriously. "You know why, Sam, though you don't want to." Slowly he stood, pulling Sam up with him. "I'm sorry, Sam. I wish with all my heart I could stay."
A small sob escaped Sam's throat. No, no. Not again. He couldn't do it again. "I'm sorry I had to leave you before, Sam." Frodo said, tears wetting his cheeks now. "I'm sorry. I wasn't strong enough."
Then Sam understood. This wasn't real, it couldn't be. Frodo was dead; he couldn't be with him right now. But then Frodo reached forward and embraced him tightly. Sam felt his master's small shoulders shaking a bit and wrapped his arms around him. After a moment Frodo pulled away and smiled at him through his tears.
"Thanks you, Sam, for all you ever did for me. You were always there for me, always."
Sam could barely stand it. His eyes never once left Frodo's. This would be the last he ever saw of him. He wished this last day would last forever. "I- I tried to follow you, Mr. Frodo." He stammered. Frodo shook his head. "No, Sam. You belong here. You have your whole life ahead of you." He reached up and brushed Sam's tears away. "Please don't forget me, Sam." He whispered sadly. Sam sobbed and caught Frodo's hands in his. "I couldn't ever forget you, Frodo." He said, not even realizing he had left out the Mister for the first time since he had known him. Frodo smiled and turned to leave.
Sam's stomach lurched. No, not yet! There was something he needed to know. "Wait!" Frodo paused. "Frodo, was it really you up there? Who called to me on the mountain?" Frodo just smiled and did not answer. Slowly he turned once more and walked away. Sam called out to him, but it was too late. Frodo was gone.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Sam awoke with tears streaming down his face. He shot up to a sitting position and looked around wildly, breathing hard. He lay in his bed in his little room, his packed bag lying on the floor nearby and the early morning sun peeking in through the window at him. He buried his face in the blankets and cried his heart out. When he looked up the room was glowing with sunlight. It was all a dream, but it had been so real.
Sam closed his eyes and could still see Frodo's smiling face in his mind. He hoped that image would stay with him forever.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
That day Sam left that part of the world and set out for home with his fellow hobbits. Merry and Pippin were amazed at the change in Sam. Just the day before he had been mellow and quiet, keeping to himself. Today he looked around him with eagerness and smiled brightly more often then they could remember seeing him smile in the past month. What could have happened to speed up his recovery so fast?
What had happened was that Samwise was finally healed, emotionally and physically. He had done what he couldn't do before, what he had been longing to do. He had said good-bye. He had seen his master one last time and it was enough. And as he turned toward home Sam smiled because knew in his heart that Frodo was happy and traveling right alongside him.
THE END
~AC~
Once again, thanks to NarsilC, ShireElf, and Eowyn for support (i.e. driving me up the wall until I update). And especially to Eowyn for giving me the chance to have German readers read my story as well. If you're interested, I would recommend you go to her website www.people.freenet.de/lotrfanfiction. It has some of the best LOTR stories I've read.
Thanks for sticking with me and here's the last chapter!
CHAPTER 14
Samwise Gamgee stood before his open window, gazing ahead at the fiery orange sunset over the city. His time here was over. He turned to see his open pack lying on the bed; contents spread all about his little room. He was leaving tomorrow, leaving at last to go home. As much as he wanted to see the Shire again he believed the constant ache in his heart would be even worse there, among so many memories. He was returning home, but Frodo wasn't.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
A lot had happened during the last few weeks. But it all blurred together now for Sam, one long confusing day it seemed to him; so many people coming in and out, so many new faces. And all the while he seemed only to be observing it all, not really being there. He was trapped in a place they could not know, drowning in his own sadness.
He had begun to learn how to control his emotions, or at least hide them as best he could. His face became like a wall, and no one could see through. No one must know of what he was haunted by. But two people always seemed to figure it out, always seemed to know when the sadness became too much again.
A few days after Gandalf's first visit, Merry and Pippin had come to see Sam for the first time. He had been sitting alone in his room, staring out that same window, contemplating what Gandalf had told him. He found it amazing, but ever since then Sam had been able to hear Frodo's voice clearly in his head whenever he wanted to. Sometimes it comforted him, but most of the time it only pained him. Yet he did not want to forget it, it was all he had to hold on to.
Merry and Pippin had sat with him for hours that day. At first saying nothing, just merely being beside him. He could see the grief in their eyes, and the questions they longed to ask him. He wondered if he could bring himself to repeat it all one more time. He needed to. So once again Sam opened up and told Frodo's cousins of what had happened to him. When he was finished Pippin had his face buried in Merry's shoulder. Merry said nothing, merely looked at Sam. Then he placed his hand on Sam's shoulder. "Thank you, Sam."
After that they came to see Sam every day, usually bringing along some food or stories for him. With time Sam even found himself nearly forgetting his sorrows for a few moments as he listened to Pippin's chatter. They filled him in on all that happened since they had separated that day that seemed ages upon ages ago and Sam marveled at the amazing height they had acquired.
Somehow Frodo always seemed to pop into their conversations. Whether it was a story of their childhood or merely a thought, he always seemed to be there. Most of the time whenever Frodo's name was mentioned Sam would become quiet, listening rather than talking. But during one particularly interesting story of days long passed in the Shire, Sam spoke up himself, adding in his views. Merry and Pippin smiled to each other when Sam turned away. He may finally be healing.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Sam looked into his pack, searching for the precious objects he had stowed away first. The day before when Merry and Pippin had come to his room they had brought something different than their usual snacks and conversation.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Sam had looked curiously at the bundle in Pippin's arms as he approached.
"Sam," he said very quietly, unusual for Pippin, even with all that had happened. Pippin opened his mouth but realized he could hardly manage to say anything else and simply placed the bundle in Sam's lap. Sam noticed his green eyes bright with tears.
Sam looked down at the bundle and gasped. There lay Frodo's gray Elven cloak from Lorien, his mithril vest, and Sam's own short sword. Sam held the garments in his hands and buried his face into the fabric. Merry and Pippin watched in silence for a few moments as Sam's small shoulders shook with sobs, then they climbed up on the bed, one on either side of Sam.
Slowly Sam looked up at Pippin, his face streaming with tears. "It's just not fair, Mr. Pippin." He managed to stutter. "It wasn't fair. I shoulda been the one to get hurt, not him. He didn't deserve it. He had a job to do, it shouldn't have happened. I keep thinking I coulda prevented it, but I didn't know what to do. I know everyone keeps sayin' it wasn't my fault, but I can't help thinkin' it was. What if there was something I could of done for him? I didn't do anything, just sat there are watched him die." He broke into a new wave of tears, but scrubbed them away with the backs of his hands and continued.
"You don't know what it was like, no one does. To just see him fading away from me-oh, I woulda given anything to switch places with him right then. He was in so much pain and so afraid. Why him? Why not me? I keep askin' myself that and I can't figure out why. And now he's gone, gone forever. And I'm left behind all alone without him. Sometimes I wonder how I'll ever live without him being there. What will I do? I feel so alone. I just wish he were here. What I wouldn't do to see him one more time. It was the hardest thing I ever done, leaving him I mean. But I had to. I hope he can forgive me."
He paused, staring down at his clenched hands, tears falling onto the bed and he made no attempt to stem the flow. "I'm sorry, Mr. Frodo." He whispered, so softly Merry and Pippin couldn't be sure they ever really heard it at all.
Merry looked down at the cloak and mithril coat sitting in a heap in Sam's lap and noticed for the first time he had tears running down his face as well. He missed his cousin horribly; Frodo had always been there for him and now he was gone. But he couldn't imagine what it must have been like for Sam. And even though Sam's heart had been shattered by the death of his master he hadn't stopped. He had continued on. It was probably thanks to Sam the world held any happiness. It just wasn't fair that the world was rebuilding itself, rejoicing, when it's little savior sat in here all alone, lost in his own grief.
Pippin merely sat staring at Sam. He had only heard bits and pieces of the story from Gandalf, but to hear it straight from Sam, the only one who had been there, was so different. His eyes were wide with shock and grief. Is that really how it all came about? Pippin could nearly feel his heart breaking all over again for this small, weather-beaten hobbit sitting beside him. This was the most Sam had spoken to anyone about anything since it had happened. They had hoped Sam would find it within himself to pick up the broken pieces of his life and maybe continue on once more. Now he looked at the grief stricken hobbit before him and wondered if it was possible.
Without ever saying a word the two held him in their arms, their tears mingling with his. They sat like that for a long time in silence, thinking back on all they had been through over the past months and clutching the pieces of clothes tightly to them, the only thing they felt they had left of their friend.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Sam looked down at the cloak he held in his hands now and ran his fingers through the cloth. He could feel fresh tears tickling the back of his eyes. They always seemed to be there, just waiting to spill over. He sighed and pressed his cheek to the smooth fabric.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Over time he had reunited with the rest of the remaining Fellowship. Sam thoroughly expected to be bombarded with questions and have to explain it all again, but surprisingly he was not. They were quiet and did not press him at all. Sam decided someone, Gandalf probably, had already told them. And, unlike the other people he had seen on his few brief outings from his room, they did not looks at him with sympathy, just quiet sadness.
He learned that Aragorn was to be crowned king and, after a bit of persuasion, had agreed to attend the ceremony. It had been the first time he had left his little room since waking. The whole ordeal had been loud with a lot of people crowding around, but in the end he was glad he had attended anyway. Merry and Pippin stood on either side of him, and Merry took his hand comfortingly as Aragorn addressed the city about the triumphs and the losses of the war. He spoke briefly of Frodo and Sam could not stop the tears that silently fell.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
But now all of that was over, and he was heading home. To what, he was not sure. He was not even sure if he wanted to return home without his master. What kinds of curious questions would he have to answer to there? But he knew he must go, the Shire was where he belonged.
Sam carefully folded the cloak and placed it back into the bottom of his pack. He packed up the rest of his small belongings and climbed under the covers, gazing out at the now star-filled night sky. How would he ever continue living like this?
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
When Sam opened his eyes he saw bright blue sky above him. He frowned. What was going on? Slowly he rolled over and caught sight of the grass he was lying on. He quickly sat up and looked around.
"Sam?"
At the sound of that voice Sam spun around so fast he almost toppled back over. There was Frodo standing behind him, looking perfectly healthy and happy. Sam attempted to stand but tripped over his own two feet and landed back down on the grass with a thump, all the while staring in awe at his master who stood before him. Frodo suppressed a giggle and moved forward to help him up. Eventually Sam stood eye-to-eye with the one person he thought he would never see again.
Frodo's eyes were bright and sparkled with happiness as he looked at Sam. Slowly he frowned in concern. "What's the matter, Sam? Do you feel alright?"
Sam shook his head slowly. "No. Fine, I'm fine." He stumbled over the words like he had forgotten how to speak them. Without warning or even stopping to think he caught Frodo in a hug and buried his face in his friend's shoulder, laughing out loud. Frodo, caught by surprise, nearly fell over. "Sam!" he laughed, hugging him back. Sam let go and backed away a little, still trying to make himself believe it.
"You're alright Mr. Frodo?" Frodo, still a little confused, nodded slowly. "Yes. Fine, Sam." He smiled and Sam's heart leaped for joy. There he was, Frodo was all right.
Frodo laughed at the look on Sam's face and Sam couldn't have been happier. It had been so long since he had heard that laugh.
The rest of the day was a blur of color and happiness. He was in the Shire, just outside Bag End, all as it was so long ago. Things were bright green, the garden looked wonderful. But above it all, he was there with his master, happy and free. They spent their time walking and talking and laughing. Passing by all the wonderful places Sam knew so well and thought he would never see again. He still could hardly believe it.
Frodo chattered happily with nearly no end. Sam merely looked all around him, taking it all in with hungry eyes. "Sam?" Frodo had stopped talking and taken his hand. Sam turned and stared into worried blue eyes. Then he suddenly realized he had tears on his cheeks. He hastily brushed them off. "What's wrong, Sam?"
"Nothing," Sam mumbled. "Just happy, I suppose." Frodo frowned, but didn't question him anymore.
Before Sam knew it the day was over and they had returned to Bag End. Since they had spent their day feasting on berries they found all over neither was very hungry so they both sat down in the garden, right where Sam had woken up earlier, and gazed at the stars. They sat for a long time in silence, just being together. Then, slowly, Frodo began to speak.
"Sam," He said quietly, looking his friend in the eye. "It's almost time."
Sam looked puzzled. "Time? Time for what?"
Frodo sighed and took his hand. "I have to go now, Sam. I can't stay here." Sam could see tears swimming in his master's blue eyes.
"What?" He stammered, his heart quickening. "Why?"
Frodo looked at him seriously. "You know why, Sam, though you don't want to." Slowly he stood, pulling Sam up with him. "I'm sorry, Sam. I wish with all my heart I could stay."
A small sob escaped Sam's throat. No, no. Not again. He couldn't do it again. "I'm sorry I had to leave you before, Sam." Frodo said, tears wetting his cheeks now. "I'm sorry. I wasn't strong enough."
Then Sam understood. This wasn't real, it couldn't be. Frodo was dead; he couldn't be with him right now. But then Frodo reached forward and embraced him tightly. Sam felt his master's small shoulders shaking a bit and wrapped his arms around him. After a moment Frodo pulled away and smiled at him through his tears.
"Thanks you, Sam, for all you ever did for me. You were always there for me, always."
Sam could barely stand it. His eyes never once left Frodo's. This would be the last he ever saw of him. He wished this last day would last forever. "I- I tried to follow you, Mr. Frodo." He stammered. Frodo shook his head. "No, Sam. You belong here. You have your whole life ahead of you." He reached up and brushed Sam's tears away. "Please don't forget me, Sam." He whispered sadly. Sam sobbed and caught Frodo's hands in his. "I couldn't ever forget you, Frodo." He said, not even realizing he had left out the Mister for the first time since he had known him. Frodo smiled and turned to leave.
Sam's stomach lurched. No, not yet! There was something he needed to know. "Wait!" Frodo paused. "Frodo, was it really you up there? Who called to me on the mountain?" Frodo just smiled and did not answer. Slowly he turned once more and walked away. Sam called out to him, but it was too late. Frodo was gone.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Sam awoke with tears streaming down his face. He shot up to a sitting position and looked around wildly, breathing hard. He lay in his bed in his little room, his packed bag lying on the floor nearby and the early morning sun peeking in through the window at him. He buried his face in the blankets and cried his heart out. When he looked up the room was glowing with sunlight. It was all a dream, but it had been so real.
Sam closed his eyes and could still see Frodo's smiling face in his mind. He hoped that image would stay with him forever.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
That day Sam left that part of the world and set out for home with his fellow hobbits. Merry and Pippin were amazed at the change in Sam. Just the day before he had been mellow and quiet, keeping to himself. Today he looked around him with eagerness and smiled brightly more often then they could remember seeing him smile in the past month. What could have happened to speed up his recovery so fast?
What had happened was that Samwise was finally healed, emotionally and physically. He had done what he couldn't do before, what he had been longing to do. He had said good-bye. He had seen his master one last time and it was enough. And as he turned toward home Sam smiled because knew in his heart that Frodo was happy and traveling right alongside him.
THE END
~AC~
