O. Henry, whose real name was William Sydney Porter, was an American short story writer known for his wit, wordplay, and clever twist endings. Born on September 11, 1862, in Greensboro, North Carolina, he began his literary career as a journalist and later turned to writing short stories.

 O. Henry's stories often revolve around ordinary people facing unexpected situations and usually conclude with an ironic twist. His unique storytelling style earned him widespread recognition, and his works remain popular today. Some of his most famous stories include "The Gift of the Magi," "The Ransom of Red Chief," and "The Last Leaf," which showcases his ability to blend humor, drama, and compassion.

 O. Henry's prolific writing career was shadowed by personal struggles, including a prison term for embezzlement. Despite these challenges, he continued to write, and his stories were published in magazines and newspapers. He passed away on June 5, 1910, in New York City, leaving behind a legacy of memorable stories that continue to captivate readers around the world.

Friendship and Sacrifice:

One of the central themes in "The Last Leaf" is the power of friendship and the sacrifices made for those we care about. Sue's dedication to helping Johnsy recover demonstrates the strong bond between the two artists. Behrman's ultimate sacrifice, painting the last leaf during the storm, highlights the selflessness and love that friends can display for one another, even at the cost of their own lives.

The Will to Live:

The importance of the will...................................

"When the last leaf falls, I will die," said Johnsy with finality.

This line reveals Johnsy's belief in the connection between her life and the leaves falling from the ivy creeper. It underscores the power of her belief and sets the stage for the rest of the story.

 "It is a sin to want to die."

This line marks a turning point for Johnsy...................................

Introduction:
- Sue and Johnsy, two young artists, live in a small flat on the third storey of an old house.
- Johnsy falls seriously ill with pneumonia and becomes bedridden, refusing to take an interest in anything.

Johnsy's Belief:
- The doctor reveals to Sue that..........................

1. Pneumonia (noun): A lung infection that can cause difficulty breathing, coughing, and fever. In the story, Johnsy becomes seriously ill with pneumonia.
2. Creeper (noun): A plant that grows along the ground or climbs by attaching itself to other surfaces using tendrils or other structures. In this story, the ivy creeper is the plant with leaves that Johnsy counts as they fall.
3. Reluctantly (adverb): ...............................................