The End Grows Near

The past few days had been a blur. Pippin's words had been spinning around Sam's head "We're never going to see Frodo again." Sam couldn't bear the thought that time was growing when he would never see his Frodo again either. He may be seeing a lot of him now but soon the moment would come when Frodo would leave them all forever.

Sam had spent the last few days by Frodo's side holding his hand. Frodo had spent most of this time asleep. He ate little and slept lots. Sam was worried about him. He knew it would not help but he decided to call for Dr Proudfoot just to put his mind at ease. Dr Proudfoot had been the doctor of the Shire since Sam and Frodo were very young, now it was Dr Proudfoot the second as Rosie liked to call him, Dr Proudfoot's son. He was training to be a doctor like his father and was just as good.

Dr Proudfoot arrived and knew why he had been called. He took a look at Frodo and after checking him over briefly he took Sam outside the room to talk to him.

"Sam." He told him quietly. "As you probably already know, there is nothing we can do. Frodo is simply growing weaker. He is not in any pain. All you can do is sit by his side and comfort him."

Sam thanked the doctor for coming and then returned to Frodo's room. He took up his usual seat by the bed and cupped Frodo's hand in his once more. Frodo was in a deep sleep.

*~*~*~*~*

It was late into the night and Sam was sobbing by Frodo's side. He knew the time was close. Too close. Frodo opened his eyes slowly.

"Sam." He managed to say. "Remember what you promised me?"

"Erm," Sam felt ashamed. "What was that Mr Frodo?"

"I asked you not to grieve for me. Please don't."

Sam promised that he would try but Frodo knew he would shed his tears for him once he was gone.

"You have been a great friend to me, Sam." Frodo tried to smile through his own tears. "Thank you for everything."

"Oh Frodo..." Was all Sam could managed.

"Tell Pippin and Merry goodbye for me won't you?"

"I will..." Sam clutched his hand even tighter as Frodo closed his eyes to go back to sleep once more.

*~*~*~*~*

It was early morning when Rosie came into the room. She could hear Sam's sobs from the hallway.

"No." Sam spoke lightly too her as she entered. "Mr Frodo's gone."

"Sam." She placed a reassuring arm around his shoulder. "Frodo died peacefully in his sleep. You know he would have wanted that. And you were by his side the whole time. Holding his hand as he wanted you to."

"I know." Sam could only just managed through his sobs. "But he's gone."

Sam sat by Frodo's side until the morning's light first appeared. Then he turned to Rosie and as they hugged both broke down into deep wracking sobs. Their cries filled Bag End and ever inch of the small hole could feel the pain shared between them.

*~*~*~*~*

Ok, I'm not actually too sure what to say after that. I am just so nervous that I ruined the ending you were all waiting for. I really do hope not. One more chapter left after this one. And Frodo's gone now. I do hope I wrote it well.

ArionHalf-Blood : If you cried at the last chapter did you cry at this one too? I hope I didn't disappoint you all with the ending. One more chapter left now and I am so sad that it is over. I enjoyed this story so much.

Breon Briarwood: I shall have to repay you for all the tissues you have used during this story. I hope the end was good for you. One more chapter to go though so don't leave me just yet.

Anastasia Who: The end has arrived. Well the end for Frodo anyway. One more chapter until the end of this story. I hope I reached the climax you were all waiting for.

Lady Willowish: Poor everyone! As I have said to everyone else, I really do hope this ending wasn't to bad. You were all expecting something really emotional and I hope I got there.

MichelleFrodo: Ok, I know I made you cry the first time you read this so I hope everyone else agrees. If not this is all your fault. Well no it's not but I need someone to blame! Thank you for making me post this straight away! People seemed to have enjoyed it so far so I hope the end is good.

Ok, I had best be going now. The next chapter will be up shortly. Hopefully by the end of the week but I'm not promising anything. Hope you enjoy the end.

Legyluva