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“It is autumn,” said Sue, “and the leaves will fall.”

Sue replied that it was autumn season and it was natural for the creeper

to shed its leaves.

“When the last leaf falls, I will die,” said Johnsy with finality. “I have

known this for the last three days.”

Johnsy said that she would die when the last leaf fell. She added that

she had known this for the last three days.

“Oh, that’s nonsense,” replied Sue. “What have old ivy leaves to do with

your getting well? The doctor is confident that you will get better.”

Sue replied that this did not make any sense. The leaves had nothing to

do with her health. The doctor was sure that she would recover.

Johnsy did not say anything. Sue went and brought her a bowl of soup.

Johnsy remained quiet. Sue got a bowl of soup for Johnsy.

“I don’t want any soup,” said Johnsy. “I am not hungry… Now there are

only four leaves left. I want to see the last one fall before it gets dark.

Then I will sleep forever.”

Johnsy did not accept the soup. She was not hungry. Then she said that

four leaves were remaining on the ivy plant. She wanted to see the last

leaf fall before sunset and then she could die peacefully.

Sue sat on Johnsy’s bed, kissed her and said, “You are not going to die.

I can’t draw the curtain for I need the light. I want to finish the painting

and get some money for us. Please, my dear friend,” she begged

Johnsy, “promise not to look out of the window while I paint.”

Sue tried to show affection towards Johnsy. She said that Johnsy would

not die. She kept the curtain open because she needed the light to