Johnsy fell very seriously ill in November. She had pneumonia. She would lie in her bed without moving, just gazing out of the window. Sue, her friend became very worried. She sent for the doctor. Although he came every day there was no change in Johnsy's condition.
Sue and Johnsy, two young artists, share a small flat. The flat was on the third storey of an old house.
"Is anything worrying Johnsy?" "No, but why do you ask?" "Johnsy, it seems like, has made up her mind that she is not going to get well. If she doesn't want to live, medicines will not help her."
One morning the doctor spoke to Sue alone in the hall where Johnsy could not hear.
Sue tried her best to make Johnsy take an interest in things around her. She talked about clothes and fashions, but Johnsy continued to lie still on her bed. Sue brought her drawing-board into Johnsy's room and started painting. To take Johnsy's min off her illness, she whistled while working.
Suddenly Sue heard Johnsy whisper something. She quickly rushed to the bed and heard Johnsy counting backward. She was looking outside the window and was saying...
Twelve-eleven-ten-nine-eight-seven
"six" whispered Johnsy. They are falling faster now. 3 days ago there were almost a 100 leaves. There are only 5 left" "It's because it is Autumn dear Johnsy" said Sue. "When the last leaf falls, I will die. I have known this for the past 3 days" said Johnsy. "Oh that's nonsense, what have old ivy leaves to do with you getting well? The doctor is confident that you will get well." replied Sue.
Sue told Mr.Brehrman how Johnsy was convinced that she would die when the last leaf falls.