5. Paragraphs 6-9

Later, Sue made every effort to arouse Johnsy’s curiosity in the things around her. She discussed many interesting things like clothes and fashion with her, but Johnsy remained quiet. Even after hearing Sue’s talk, Johnsy lay still on her bed. As Johnsy was also an artist, Sue thought that she would provoke Johnsy’s interest through drawing. As a result, Sue brought her drawing board inside Johnsy's room. Later, Sue started the painting to create an interest in her and take her mind off from her illness. Meanwhile, Sue would whistle at times while painting to boost up Johnsy.
 

While Sue was painting, she heard Johnsy murmuring something. To know what she was saying, Sue quickly moved towards the bed. Sue heard Johnsy counting numbers backwards. While lying in bed, Johnsy looked out of the room’s window and said, “Twelve!” After some time, Johnsy muttered “eleven”, then “ten”, then “nine”, “eight”, “seven”.
 
Meanwhile, Sue was curious and looked outside the window. She noticed an old ivy creeper spreading halfway upon the brick wall. The creeper was growing opposite to their window. As the strong wind blew, the leaves of the creeper were falling.

 

After noticing the strange things, Sue asked Johnsy what the matter was. Initially, Johnsy didn’t respond to her. She continued counting backwards. Later, she mumbled as “Six”. After counting six, Sue said that the leaves were shedding faster. In addition, she said that there were many leaves on the ivy creeper three days ago – almost one hundred leaves, but now only five were left.