Doodle dies in the final scenes of the story as a result of a combination of physical exhaustion and the emotional turmoil he experiences while trying to keep up with his brother during a storm. Throughout the story, Doodle is portrayed as frail and physically weak, having been born with a heart condition. His brother, however, pushes him to overcome his limitations, leading to both moments of triumph and danger.
In the climax, while they are trying to escape the rain from the impending storm, Doodle struggles to keep up with his brother’s rapid pace. Overwhelmed by the effort and the stressful situation, Doodle collapses. In a poignant moment, his brother realizes something is wrong and turns back to find Doodle lying on the ground. It’s at this point that he learns the tragic outcome of his relentless pushing: Doodle’s heart has given out under the strain.
This heartbreaking conclusion serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of setting unattainable expectations and the fragility of life, especially for someone as vulnerable as Doodle.