This is a very short chapter. A bit of a POV of both Frodo and Sam. I'm considering making this chapter a stand-alone POV fic. I hope it's alright...I've never tried before, to put Sam and Frodo's thoughts about each other into words, but I hope it's convincing. Thanks for the reviews and encouragement, and keep them coming! Namarie.

Chapter 8: The Cabin

The dim and cool cabin rose almost imperceptibly up and down with the cresting of each wave. The small window let in a circular shaft of moonlight that filled the little room with a soft, blue-white glow. The stars were visible, though partially obscured by clouds.

Sam lay curled up in the too-large bed, with the blanket wrapped tightly around him.

But sleep remained far away. He stared at the ceiling.

"Did he miss me as much as I missed him?" The thought stole through his mind, in a timid and doubtful way that did nothing to comfort him.

What would he say? What could serve to describe the long years in which his heart had been torn in two?

I'm coming. But will you remember me? Am I still just a thorn in your side, Mr. Frodo? After all, you said once I was the worst of nuisances.

Oh, Mr. Frodo, is that why you left?

I hope you'll be as glad to see me as I'll be to see you! Elbereth knows, I've missed you so much, I don't know what I'll do when I see you again, if you take my meaning. Will I laugh? Will I cry? There seems reason enough for me to do both.

I've been thinking a bit...I remember, when I first held my daughter in my arms, I felt a surge, a feeling I couldn't quite name or place. I wondered though...I knew I had felt that same weight of responsibility sometime before. I wondered when? Where?

Then I remembered. It came from taking care of you, Mr. Frodo. From making sure you were safe. You were so much a part of me that all I wanted was to stay with you, comforting you when you despaired and fighting all your battles for you, big and small. I knew it was my purpose, somehow, staying by your side.

Please still remember. Remember that we were the best of friends, dearer than brothers to one another, the closest two can be.

Do you remember the way it used to be, Mr. Frodo?

I do.

Across the sea, someone was wondering the same thing.

Oh, Sam, where are you? Have you forgotten about me? Did I sail away from Middle-earth, and out of your memory? I miss you so dearly, Sam.

I didn't realize how long the years would be without you. The journey's hurts healed quickly enough, but I had no one to celebrate with. The immensity of the lonely years before me broke my heart, Sam. I had made a choice. One I regretted. Oh, Sam, how I despaired! I believed I may never see you again, and perhaps I was right.

Though the pains and hurts of the journey healed with time, I don't think my heart ever did. Something happened to me as I pulled from your embrace. Part of my heart stayed with you, Sam. And it hurt. It hurt so badly.

Sometimes you have to give something up that you love dearly, so as to have something else...Oh, Sam, I chose wrong! I was wrong! I chose physical healing over you, my dearSam. Can you ever forgive me? What a selfish thing I did...and now I fear you're gone forever and I will have never gotten the chance to tell you how sorry I was.

I'm stricken with guilt. I left you when you never strayed from my side...not once, not ever. Won't you come and tell me it's alright? I don't think I can live with myself if it isn't so.

Please, Sam, my dear hobbit, friend of friends. Please don't forget about me.

Please, Sam.

Alright, you caught me. There are going to be two more chapters...the final chapter and the epilogue. I know I said last time this would be the last, but I got creative and lengthened it a bit more. Thanks everyone!