1. The Hopeful Realism:
* Sue, despite her fading strength, manages to cling to life a little longer. The last leaf stays strong, offering a symbol of her own resilience. Johnsy recovers enough to see the new spring leaves emerge on the vine, bringing a renewed sense of wonder and a chance at life. While she's still frail, she finds a new perspective on life and a renewed appreciation for the simple beauty of nature. The story ends with her and Behrman, both struggling but alive, sharing a moment of quiet contentment.
2. The Bittersweet Acceptance:
* Johnsy, despite her friend's efforts, succumbs to her illness. The last leaf remains on the vine, a testament to Behrman's sacrifice. Sue is left with a profound sense of loss and gratitude, but also a realization that death is inevitable. The story ends with her quietly observing the lone leaf, a reminder of Behrman's love and the fragile beauty of life.
3. The Unexpected Twist:
* Sue discovers that the last leaf wasn't painted by Behrman at all. A storm had ravaged the vine, leaving just that one leaf clinging on. Behrman, sick himself, had managed to escape the building during the storm and was found wandering aimlessly, weak and confused. The story ends with Sue and Behrman both hospitalized, their bond strengthened by the shared experience of near-death and the recognition of their mutual love and dependence.
4. The Symbolic Closure:
* Johnsy passes away. The last leaf falls, but in its place, a new bud appears on the vine, a sign of hope and new life. The story ends with a focus on the cyclical nature of life and death, highlighting the ongoing struggle between decay and regeneration. The focus shifts away from individual loss to the broader picture of nature's resilience and the promise of rebirth.
5. The Tragic Irony:
* Johnsy dies, and the last leaf, a testament to Behrman's sacrifice, is revealed to be painted by the young artist himself. He had deliberately exposed himself to the cold and sickness to ensure his friend's survival, and in the process, sacrificed his own life. The story ends with a focus on the irony of his selflessness and the futility of his sacrifice.
These are just a few examples, but the potential for different endings in "The Last Leaf" is vast. The choice would depend on the author's specific message and the tone they wish to convey.