Opposing Sides

Rosie screamed. The pain was unbearable. She had been struggling for hours, the fight not going her way. Where was Sam? How could he leave her? Her only weapon, her voice, was deserting her. It had been too long.

She took a breath, anticipating the return to the battle. Things had gone well since Sam’s return. The wedding was grand; their house was all she’d dreamed. And now, she was losing it all; Sam’s undivided attention, her immaculate house. She would not give up without a fight.

But the struggle wore her down. Sam would have to manage without her.

She was tired. With a sigh, she sank into the depths of unconsciousness.

“Rosie!” Sam cried. “Come back!”

But, she was too tired. The battle had been fierce, the opponent too strong. Now, all she wanted was release.

“No, Sam, I cannot do it. I am too exhausted.” He watched as her eyes slowly closed.

“Rosie Gamgee! If you do not wake up this instant, you will regret it for the rest of your life!” She dimly heard Sam’s words.

Too tired, she was gone. Her opponent had won. And thus she missed the arrival of her daughter, fair Elenor.



*********************Will Wonders Never Cease!***********************





Sam sat holding the tiny bundle. He had seen children before; but they had belonged to others, and not worth much note. Nothing like this.

He removed the blanket, counting the toes, again. So little, and perfect. The feet were nothing in his hand. He moved up to the fingers. So delicate. The soft curls on her head drew his attention; blonde, just like her mother’s.

Stirring, the child fussed and Sam laid her with her mother.

Brushing away a tear, he realized-all his adventures were naught compared to this.

He marvelled at what he and Rosie had created: Elanor.