The autumn leaves were painted with golden hues. The gathering time was drawing to a close.
“Earth Mother, will we have food?”
“Child, the family has worked hard. We’re almost done.”
As time passed so fell the final leaves. The family was safe in their lair. The waking food was ready.
They slept.
Ross's Writing Blog 
gsussex
October 18, 2011 at 09:05
Very mellow Ross! And has the hint of traditional story/fable unfolding . . . I enjoyed your writing . . . 50 words it pretty brief isn’t it!
Ross Mannell
October 18, 2011 at 16:32
Thanks for the comment.
This was more the 50WCGU but at least I could reach 53 words with the prompt. I sometimes like to write in a more fabled form. 🙂
Midlife Singlemum
October 18, 2011 at 09:16
A real short story – love it!
Ross Mannell
October 18, 2011 at 16:33
Thanks for the comment.
With the limit set lower this week, it encourages us to be more precise.
Lisa (Woman Wielding Words)
October 18, 2011 at 10:16
I like this so much. Sweet and gentle, but with a clear story.
Ross Mannell
October 18, 2011 at 16:34
Thanks for the comment.
When I had the idea, I thought it might work well without the need to explain what the family was. 🙂
Sparks In Shadow
October 18, 2011 at 16:49
Such a nice little story.
Ross Mannell
October 18, 2011 at 22:29
Thanks for the comment.
53 words is certainly a short story. My first draft was 54 words so it only needed a minor adjustment to keep to the limit. 🙂
annahalford (@anhalf)
October 18, 2011 at 20:38
That’s a lot to pack into so few words; was it an animal family? I was trying to guess. Lovely use of the prompt.
Ross Mannell
October 18, 2011 at 22:31
Thanks for the comment.
One of the advantages of such a small word limit is the lack of words to explain some things in details. the creatures weren’t anything in particular but I was thinking of small sentient creatures perhaps mythical. 🙂
Alison Green
October 19, 2011 at 04:17
Delightful, a miniature story, like a jewel. Brilliant.
Ross Mannell
October 19, 2011 at 07:39
Thanks for the comment.
Since taking in the 100WCGU and Saturday Centus (US based) it’s allowed me to write without the time needed to write short stories or novels. It’s a great mind exercise to write within the word limits yet try to maintain meaning.
Robin Hawke
October 19, 2011 at 06:20
Lovely images, Robin
Ross Mannell
October 19, 2011 at 07:37
Thanks for the comment.
This weeks 50 word limit meant packing meaning into few words. 🙂
jfb57
October 20, 2011 at 21:04
you have created such a warm picture here Ross. I love the idea of the animals feeling safe & able to sleep. Beautiful!
Ross Mannell
October 21, 2011 at 20:31
Thanks for the comment.
Love these challenges, both Centus and 100WCGU. I don’t have much time for lengthy writing so these hone the skills a little without needing a large amount of time. 🙂
bubbleboo
October 20, 2011 at 21:22
Wonderful, It’s amazing how much can be said through so few words.
Ross Mannell
October 21, 2011 at 20:41
Thanks for the comment.
One of the most interesting part of the challenges is packing the meaning in without losing the sense of story. 🙂