Sue and Ankita, two young artists, shared a small flat. The flat was on the third story of an old house. Ankita fell very seriously ill in November. She had pneumonia. She would lie in her bed became very worried. She sent for the doctor. Although he come every day there was no change in Ankita's condition. One day the doctor took Sue aside and asked her, Is anything worrying Ankita. No replied Sue. But way do you ask? The doctor said Ankita it seems 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. Sue tried her best to make Ankita take an interest in things around her. She talked about clothes and fashions but Ankita did not respond. Ankita continued to lie still on her drawing-board into Ankita's room and stared painting. To take Ankita's mind off her illness she whistled while working. Suddenly Sue heard Ankita whisper something. She quickly rushed to the bed and heard Ankita counting backwards. She was looking out of the window and was saying Twelve! After sometime she whispered eleven then tan then nine eight seven. Sue anxiously looked out of the window. She saw an old ivy creeper climbing half-way up the brick wall opposite their window. In the strong wind outside the creeper was shedding its leaves. What is it dear? Sue asked. Six whispered Ankita. They are falling faster now. Three days ago there were almost a hundred leaves. There are only five left now. it is autumn said Sue and the said will fall. when the last leaf falls I will die said Ankita with finality. I have known this for the last three days.