It was found, stored in the bottom of a chest, under a well worn cloak that had somehow withstood the turning of the ages.

My dearest Frodo,

Last night was dark without you and my Rosie had to hold me tightly when I sat up screaming. This morning I woke up and your absence was like a stitch in my side—like we were on the steps of Mount Doom all over again and I was losing you, all over again. This afternoon, Rosie watched me wandering through the halls of Bag End, shook her head and told me to stop looking for you, you weren’t there.

I turned icy, angry eyes on her and she stepped back saying, I’m sorry Sam, I didn’t realize. I couldn’t stand the fear and hurt in my Rosie’s eyes and I couldn’t stand the hard, mean hobbit I’d become, so I turned and fled that old, silent Smial. Don’t you worry about us though, Rosie understands and I’ve apologized and everything is right between us again.

I can still hear her though, and it still hurts. Stop looking Samwise, he’s not here.

Where have you gone Frodo? Tell me so I can explain to little Elanor when she crawls into your room, sits on the bed and waits for you to read her a bedtime story, like you did every day for a year. She threw a tantrum this morning when you did not appear for breakfast. How am I supposed to explain that you have gone forever? Forever is a very long time, Frodo, and I don’t think hobbits are meant to understand it.

Part of me is mad at you. Mad that you didn’t stay and that you gave too much without thought for yourself. Mad that you left without me. I thought that the Shire would heal you and that, if it didn’t, I could. My old gaffer would say that I’m getting above my station, but I suppose those days are long gone.

I know that you are wise and very nearly elvish, but Mister Frodo, if I am to be whole again, why do I feel so empty?

Forever your servant,

Sam

P.S. If my words somehow reach you across the sea, I hope you forgive my presumption. Rosie says I’m silly for worrying about it, but I can’t help but think about what my gaffer would say if he knew.