In ancient times, the town of Florence faced a catastrophe where the artistic street lost its faith in its art. Painters and artists turned away from colors after they had nourished the spirit of the street with their art. All this was because of poverty. Despite people’s love for art, painters received little. Gradually, the streets lost their beauty, and colors were kept from children. Painters worked in other jobs to earn their living. In those difficult circumstances, some artists tried to elevate the value of art and keep their love for it.
Among these were Sue and Johnsy. Sue and Johnsy were two friends and wonderful painters. They would paint and sell their works to magazines. They didn’t earn much, but they were happy. While Sue was a practical and strong woman who worked hard and faced any problem with pride, Johnsy was always afraid of the future. Sue and Johnsy had a neighbor named Behrman. He was an old man but full of life. He would color everything he saw—street doors, house stairs, and even trees. He was among the few who tried to keep the artistic street spirit alive.
Mr. Behrman was always helpful to Sue in her work, and matters passed well until the day came when Johnsy fell ill. The doctors tried to treat her but to no avail. The doctor said to Sue, “You must convince her to stay positive. Most of our problems and illnesses are caused by negative thinking, and she will never recover unless she wants to.” Sue tried hard to make Johnsy happy. She made her favorite food and brought her flowers, but to no avail.
Behrman said to her, “An artist must be very confident and positive.” Sue said to her, “Enough, Johnsy. You must not be sad.” Days passed, and Johnsy’s health worsened. After she stopped taking her medicine, the doctor became helpless. Sue kept asking the doctor for an alternative treatment, and he would say to her, “You must make her mind stronger.” Once, while Sue was entering the building, she saw Mr. Behrman wet. She said to him, “What’s wrong with you? Are you alright?” He said to her, “I painted the garden benches today.” She said to him, “That’s great effort.” She said, “And how did you get wet?” He said, “Because I forgot to bring my umbrella. I’ve become old.”
She said, “You need a doctor.” He said to her, “When I paint, I’m the happiest person in the world. I don’t feel pain or annoyance. Art is my life. Now, what’s Johnsy’s news?” She said, “It’s not good.” She said, “I remember her ivy plant. Only four leaves remain, and she’s still staring at it. I wish the last leaf wouldn’t fall, because Johnsy will lose hope.” He said, “We won’t allow that matter.” Johnsy said, “It’s raining heavily today, and the wind will drop all the leaves. How can we save the plant?” He said to her, “Determination creates the solution.”
That night, a storm hit the town, and everyone closed their windows in Art Street. But Jersey wanted Sue to open the window for her so she could be sure about the existence of the last tree leaf. Sue refused because Johnsy’s condition would worsen if she opened the window, and the strong air entered for her. In the morning, the sun shone, and the storm stopped. Sue realized she had to open the window now. She was amazed when she found the last ivy leaf present. Johnsy said, “How did it hold?” Sue replied, “It’s determination, Johnsy, just as Mr. Behrman said.” She said to her, “Where is my medicine? The leaf resisted the storm, and I will do this too, and I will try to recover.”
She said to Johnsy, “Give me my palette and some colors.” Sue’s happiness was indescribable. She quickly brought all the colors she had and placed the palette near Johnsy’s bed. Sue was happy about her friend’s return. Time passed, and Johnsy recovered a little. Sue and the doctor were increasingly amazed. She no longer spoke of her weakness and inability to live. She began discussing her new dreams with Sue. “I want to paint the London Bridge.”
She asked about Mr. Behrman. Sue said to her, “He’s very sick.” She said, “Did he go to the doctor?” Johnsy said, “It’s not his nature to go to the doctor. Do you remember his saying that when he paints, nothing pains him?” She said, “What do you mean?” She said, “Look at the leaf. It’s here and never moved. He painted it to be. He’s truly a skilled painter. In the morning, he started shaking and was transferred to the hospital. I met him yesterday. He was very happy when I told him about my recovery. I told him that the last ivy leaf gave him strength. He died, Johnsy.” Johnsy said, “No, no.”
Sue said to her, “He helped him achieve his dream. Didn’t he say his art would save a life? Look at the leaf. It’s his art that saved your life.” She said, “No, Sue. It’s not just art. It’s creativity, and I will achieve his dream for him.” Immediately, the story of the last leaf and Mr. Brehem spread throughout the entire town and inspired painters and poets. They gathered under the ivy tree and swore the return of art to Art Street. This is what happened. Life returned to the streets, paintings decorated the walls, and some people. Johnsy and Sue collected their savings and began teaching people in Brehem’s art school. Fathers sent their children to learn the spirit of life.
Translated story: The Last Leaf Story