A/N - These first three were the winners of The Caryl Daily's Autumn drabble contest on Tumblr. I may add more as the season is full of inspiration. I hope you enjoy them!
Prompt # 1 - Leaf Pile
"Ain't you a little old too old to be playin' in a leaf pile by yourself?" Daryl asked, watching the pixie like woman with mischievous eyes add to the small mountain. He loved that look, when she was really enjoying herself. When she was up to something.
"Who said I was alone?" Carol replied, adding more leaves to the top of the pile. When she did that, he noticed the pile shaking as a few leaves tumbled off to the ground. He smiled, feeling silly for not realizing what was going on sooner.
"I hope there's no monsters in this leaf pile" Daryl bellowed. Tiny giggles came from within the pile and from his side where Carol stood, covering her mouth to quiet her laughter.
"Pwise Unca Dawyl!" yelled Judith as she jumped up out of the leaves. Daryl, being the good uncle that he was, dropped to the ground, covering his eyes and yelling for help to get the monster off of him. It was hard for him not to laugh as Judith climbed on him, holding his face with her chubby little hands and growling at him, just like he taught her.
"Let's get inside. Maggie and Glenn brought some surprises back for us," he said. Carol picked up Judith, carrying the toddler on her hip. Daryl reached for her hand, intertwining their fingers, and the three of them made their way back to the main room where their family was gathered.
Life was hell these days, but times like this, brief moments of happiness, made life worth living.