Iain Kelly

Archie looked at the overhanging branches from the neighbours overgrown sycamore tree. Every Autumn the leaves fell into his garden, burying the flowerbeds and lawn. Every Autumn he had to clear them.

It had taken him all morning to sweep the leaves up. Now they sat in one big pile in the middle of the garden.

Agnes tapped the kitchen window. ‘Lunch.’

Inside, Archie removed his hat and gloves. ‘You can see your breath out there,’ he remarked. He stretched his back, stiff from stooped exertion.

‘They really should cut back those branches.’ Agnes said. ‘And you should let your son-in-law sweep them up. You’re not getting any younger.’

Archie rolled his eyes. ‘Are Julia and the boys still coming round this afternoon?’ he asked.

‘Don’t worry, they’re still coming.’

An hour later Agnes and Julia stood at the window watching Archie and the children in the garden. Leaves flew everywhere accompanied by squeals of delight.

‘I’ll send Gary round tomorrow to clear the leaves.’ Julia said.

‘Don’t bother,’ Agnes sighed. ‘You’d only spoil his fun.’

Written as part of Sunday Photo Fiction. Write a story of around 200 words based on the photo prompt given (above). Hosted by Al Forbes. For more details visit HERE.

To read more stories based on this week’s prompt, visit HERE

You can read more short stories featuring Agnes and Archie here: THE AGNES AND ARCHIE STORIES