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
52 responses to “AUTUMN LEAVES”
Wonderful story!
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Thank you
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I really enjoyed this Ian. As a grumpy old man and a grandad, it felt close to home.
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Haha, you and Archie would get on really well 🙂
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this is lovely!
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Thank you so much
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You paint such a relaxing picture. I want to walk among the 🍃 too
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Thank you
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Lovely story:)
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Thank you
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ahhh – great fun depicted – could feel the leaves settle with the smiles…
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That’s a lovely thought, thank you.
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🙂
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This reminded me of my grandpa! Good work, Iain
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I’m glad it sparked a happy memory for you 🙂
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😊
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Terrific. Crunching or squelching through leaves are among life’s great joys, especially when shared with a grandchild.
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Thank you CE
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[…] jungle photo reminded me of reading Lain Kelly’s Sunday fiction piece this morning (here), which was inspired by a leaf photo for a Sunday Fiction […]
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Simply delightful – I watched the scene from the window as I read it.
Click to read my PhoFic!
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Thanks Keith, glad you liked it.
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Excellent imagery in this one.
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Thank you
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A sweet vignette of autumn and family. Very nice.
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Thanks Maggie 🙂
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This story made me smile!
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Thank you Rosemary, always good to hear it gave you a smile.
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Nicely done!
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Thank you!
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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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Thanks Michael, glad it meant something to you.
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Endearing.
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Thanks James
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A rite of autumn passage
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Absolutely 🙂
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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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Thanks Sascha, a shame the kids don’t do that anymore – one of life’s simple pleasures 🙂
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Thanks, Iain.
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Another nice tale full of gentle humour, Iain. Surely enough of these for a novel soon. 😉
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I know the characters well, whether I could get a novel out of them I’m not so sure! Thanks David.
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Took me right back to my childhood – nicely crafted Iain 🙂
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Awww, thanks Dahlia 🙂
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Lovely story. I like how you unfold his feeling throughout the story.
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Thank you.
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Very nice portrayal of family life.
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Thank you
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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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Absolutely, he loves it really 🙂
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A chaos so invaluable 🙂
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Thank you
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I love it. Great story Iain.
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Many thanks.
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