Question

changed ending of the story last leaf

Answer 1

His personal experiences notwithstanding, O. Henry staunchly exhibits in his stories an affirmation of the conviction that people are essentially good and altruistic. Then, too, he concludes his stories with the surprise ending. So, with these two elements being essential to O. Henry's "The Last Leaf," an alternate ending needs to maintain the idea of personal sacrifice for another with a twist to the conclusion.

Certainly, O. Henry's ending is difficult to surpass.