Part III of the Fellowship of the Healing

Not all threats to your health wear dark cloaks.
Some come wrapped in crinkly foil, smell like cheese dust, and whisper:
“Just one more won’t hurt.”

Enter: Merry & Pippin—the delightfully unhinged snack sprites of your healing journey.
Adorable? Yes. Dangerous? Also yes. Especially after 9pm.

They’re the part of your brain that says:

• “We’ve been good all week. Let’s celebrate with fries AND a milkshake.”

• “Coffee on an empty stomach is ✨fine✨ today.”

• “Lunch? I had a cookie.”

They don’t mean harm. In fact, they’re trying to boost morale on this long and grueling quest.
But their definition of “boost” usually involves simple carbs, dopamine hits, and digestive betrayal.

Merry is the mischief.

The spontaneous sugar craving that giggles in your ear.
The one who says “C’mon, live a little!” while throwing hands at your pancreas.

Pippin is the impulsive enabler.

Already in the car, halfway to the drive-thru.
He’s all vibes, no foresight. Thinks fiber is a myth.
Your gut whispers: “You fool of a Took.”

We love them… but we don’t let them drive.

Merry & Pippin are part of the journey—for better or worse.
They bring joy, mischief, and occasionally… mild gastrointestinal distress.
But they’re still ours.

You don’t banish them—you manage them.

You build a snack drawer that honors your hormones and your chaos.
You bring the gluten-free brownies to the party and still drink water between sips.
You let the vibe live without letting it hijack your whole healing arc.

Because Merry & Pippin?
They mean well.
But they are not allowed near the steering wheel of your well-being.

Meanwhile, Sam is in the background like:

“They’ve had second dinner and eleven boba runs this week. Frodo’s gut is crying, but sure, let’s go ahead and chase it with another iced oat latte and see what happens.”

Sam packs the charcoal tablets, the electrolytes, the psyllium husk.
He’s not mad—he’s just disappointed.
But also? He’s used to this. He knows you’ll come crawling back, bloated and regretful, whispering “save me.”

And he will. Because Sam’s the real MVP.
But Merry & Pippin will be back again tomorrow.
Probably with cookies.