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Chapter 9: A Blessing

July 20, Third Age 2998

The sickness almost killed Pippin. He was so misurable. He had to spend his seventh birthday very sick and weak in bed. For a full year-and-a half, Pippin fought with all he had to stay alive. Never once did Merry leave his side. For all that time, Pippin had to stay inside, not being able to see the sunlight nor the changing of the seasons. He hadn't been able to play and have fun as other Hobbit lads his age should have done. Then, one warm July night, Pippin's fever broke and his breathing eased. Everyone rejoyced at the miracle that they had witnessed. The next morning, Merry was determined to let Pippin have a good time outside, he had been cooped up for way too long.

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Merry carried Pippin to the door and when he opened it, Pippin slightly gasped and turned his head away. He covered his eyes with his hands. The sun had burned his eyes because he hadn't been able to see it for so long.

"It's okay, Pip." Merry said.

Pippin moved his hands away slowly and looked around. Merry carried him down the pathway and knelt down next to the flower beds.

"Look at the flowers, Pippin." he said.

Pippin looked at the flowers and slowly reached his hands outward to feel them. He felt the soft, smoothe petals of the flowers and he leaned in to smell them. As he smelled the flowers, he suddenly heard a noise that scared him. He jumped and huddled in close to Merry as he saw a black and white puppy running towards them, yelping.

"It's okay, it's only a puppy." Merry said.

Just as if the puppy could sence the frailty of the small Hobbit child, it stopped barking and wagged its tail happily. Pippin smiled and ran his hands through the puppy's soft fur. After a few seconds, the puppy ran off. Merry stood up and carried Pippin down to the pond. He sat down next to the water and Pippin looked scared.

"It's okay, it won't hurt you." Merry said.

Just then, a large black and orange coi fish swam up to the surface just in front of them. Pippin timidly reached out and gently touched the top of the coi fish's head. The coi fish raised its head up a little more and gently nibbled at Pippin's tiny fingers. When the coi fish swam off, Pippin laughed and looked at Merry.

"I got a idea." Merry said.

He pulled Pippin's shirt over his head and did the same with his own.

"What are we doing?" Pippin asked.

"You'll see." Merry said, lifting Pippin up.

Merry stepped into the water and got out to where it was knee deep and sat down. Pippin slightly gasped as the cool water met with his skin. Merry made little splashes with his hands, encouraging Pippin to play. Pippin smiled and began to play.

Merry was happy that Pippin was smiling and playing after he'd been so sick for so long. The sparkle was back in Pip's eyes, the color was in his face, and he could laugh again. For the entire rest of the day, Merry and Pippin laughed and played out in the yard. When the sun was beginning to set, Esmarelda stepped outside and called them in for supper.

At supper, they had Pippin's favorite: mushrooms. He ate more than he usually did because they were so good and he hadn't been able to eat much while he was sick. Merry hoped more than anything that Pippin didn't get that sick anymore, he had suffered so much. No one that small and innocent should have to go through that much pain.