Frodo's Journal
by Nin Maldor
Set in Frodo's 13th year
Frodo’s Journal
September 22nd, 2981
Dear Journal,
Today is my thirteenth birthday. Mom got me this journal and told me to
write in it everyday. I don’t really see why, but I’ll ask her
tomorrow. Anyways, the day started out just as any other day. Rather
peaceful and quiet, with the exception of are gardener, who was
trimming the under the verge of my window. Mom was in the kitchen
baking muffins (my favorite) for breakfast, scrabbling eggs and brewing
tea over the fire. Dad had left to buy few things for dinner. I jumped
out of bed and quickly lobbed on a good shirt and pair of trousers. I
ran to the kitchen, pursuing the sweet smell of fresh tea, muffins and
eggs. Breakfast is one of the reasons I love my birthday, Mother always
makes my favorite meals.
I sat down at are large wooden table that is near the kitchen. I looked
over into the kitchen. “Is it almost ready Mom?” I asked. “Just a bit
longer, darling,” She replied with a charming smile. I tapped my
fingers on the table as I tried to take my mind off breakfast for a
bit. “You know your Uncle Saradoc and Aunt Esmeralda will be here.
They’re bringing your cousin Merry with them. Your Uncle Bilbo will be
here too. Don’t forget to say happy birthday to him. You’re not the
only one who has a birthday today.” Mother said as she took the
teakettle off of the fire.
I didn’t really want to see my cousin Merry. He’s only a year old, so I
can’t really play with him at all. I wish he was my age so we don’t
have to look out for him as much. We could also play together if he was
my age. Oh well, there’s nothing I can do about. My father walked in
the front door with a sack full of seasonings and food for dinner. He
put the sack down in the corner of the kitchen. Mother gave a quick
kiss and a thank you. Then he sat down next to me. “You know son, I
remember when I was your age…” He began on his long story of what it
was like in his time. He does that every year. But thank goodness
mother had set the large plate of muffins down on the table.
If nothing else, a good plate of food will hush up any good hobbit.
Mother set a plate of scrabbled eggs and glasses of tea in front of us.
Breakfast was rather quiet, seeing as we were all famished. As soon as
we had finished are breakfast, I picked up the plates and cups and
began cleaning them, just as I do every morning.
Soon after I was done, there was a knock on the door. I ran to answer
the door. I twisted the shiny brass knob and opened the door. It was my
Aunt and Uncle, with Merry in my Aunts arms. “Happy birthday,
younglin’,” They both said in turn as they walked in the door. Aunt
Esmeralda put my gift down by the door and gave me hug.
My mother and father came to the door. “Welcome! We’re so glad you’re
here!” My mother said to my Aunt and Uncle. “And who’s this little
handsome fellow’?” Mother remarked as she tickled Merry. “He’s gotten
so big since last time I saw him. He’s grown so much since last,” She
continued in her usual way. Uncle began a conversation with my father
about the same old ‘news.’
Not long after, Bilbo showed up at the door. We welcomed him inside. He
set his traveling hat and coat on the coat rack. He gave me hug then
sat down on the kitchen table. “Happy birthday, dear Bilbo. Can I get
you something to eat or drink?” I asked him. “You’re a fine lad, you
know that. I’d like some tea, if it’s not too much trouble.” He
replied. I went off to get him a glass of tea. I open the cabinet and
reached up for a cup. I then poured him a glass of warm, sweet smelling
tea. I scurried over to the table and set it down before him. “Thank
ya’ kindly,” he said as he picked up the cup.
Shortly after second breakfast, I went outside and sat on the porch.
Bilbo came outside and sat down next to me. “Bilbo, would you tell me
about your adventures again?” I asked. “You never do get fed up them,
now do you? I suppose that’s a good thing, because I love telling
them.” He smiled and began. I never tire of hearing him tell me of his
adventures. After all, I spend much of my time pretending that I’m off
on an adventure with him.
The day went on pleasantly and a bit before supper we exchanged
presents. My mother got me this journal, my father gave a new suit,
Bilbo gave me a large story book and my Aunt and Uncle gave me a new
fishing rod. I gave Bilbo five of the spoons in his spoon collection
that had been sold while he was off on his adventure. It took me quite
a long time to find them, I’ll tell ya’ that! I gave each my parents a
new walking stick that I had found and smoothed. I gave my Aunt and
Uncle a shiny new teakettle.
Supper was placed on the table and we ate the wonderful food mother had
prepared. After supper, everyone left for home and I had to run off to
bed. And now, I am writing in my journal. That’s all that happened
today. Night!
