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.’

2012-09-september-24th-2017

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

52 thoughts on “AUTUMN LEAVES”

  9. Pingback: Sunday Musings (Nature and Fiction Warning) – priorhouse blog

  15. It seems that one mans pain is another’s pleasure…I remember so clearly how playing in great piles of leaves felt. It was good to read this story.

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  18. I just finished writing mine and it’s funny that yours would be the first one I read afterward…but since yours is first, I guess it’s not *that* funny. Anyway, mine has the same concept, except kids here these days don’t bother jumping in the leaves so it’s nice to know that somewhere they still do. Even if it irritates grandpa. 🙂 I love the way you wrote it, btw.

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  23. Funny Ian. As much as Archie complains, he loves working outside. My Dad’s
    It,e that too. But of course, Archie having grandkids isn’t going to not let them jump in the leaves. He’s a good grandpa 🙂

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