Hey everyone, this is my entry into 
The cold, sharp wind blows against him, stiffening his body. Gone are the days of warmth and sunshine. Weeks have passed since he has basked in the sun. Life is nothing but chilled air and long nights.
His body has grown frail and brittle with the seasons change. The color he once radiated has become dull and dark. His skin so dry, cracks have formed.
This was always going to be how it ended for him. In the same place he was born. It’s only fitting. This place doesn’t let anyone truly leave. Not that he would want to; it’s been home for so long. All he knows of the world is right here in this lot.
He thinks back to all the time spent here, hanging onto every detail, praying they don’t escape him. From the children playing tag, chasing fireflies, and building forts, to Mom and Dad gardening, barbecuing, and throwing parties, he clutches at each memory fearing any moment it could be gone forever, just as it has gone in the real world.
The wind blows harder. He can feel life slipping from him with each gust. It won’t be long now.
The same fate awaits him that has befallen his entire family. Each generation experiencing the same ending. His turn has finally come.
A gust of wind rattles his body. He holds tightly to the little life left. Another blast of the frigid air loosens his grip. Enough! He thinks to himself, accepting he can take no more.
A final volley of air rushes at him, striking his body, stripping him of the last bit of life. He floats slowly downward, drifting the ground, his final resting spot. He lands softly.
A young neighbor approaches him lying on the grass. She lifts him gently, carrying him into the alley behind the house.
Placing him on top of the pile, she smiles to herself, satisfied that every leaf has finally been cleared from her neighbor’s yard. She skips back to her house knowing she’ll be five dollars richer when her neighbors return home after Thanksgiving.
