Why, Charlie Brown, Why?

Charlie Brown, Linus, Sally, and Janice Emmons are waiting for the school bus. Janice accidentally hits her arm on the bus railing, leaving a bruise. Linus notices she bruises easily, and Janice admits that she never used to.

After arriving at school, Janice suddenly feels ill and has to go home sick that day. Her friends grow worried as her condition worsens. The day ends with the implications of a serious illness.

Three days later, Linus and the other kids discover that Janice is in the hospital. The discovery signals that her illness is severe and will require medical treatment. This moment shifts the story from ordinary school life to a health crisis.

Linus and Charlie Brown visit Janice in the hospital. Janice reveals she has leukemia and describes the tests doctors performed to diagnose it. She explains her chemotherapy and expresses a determination to recover and return to school.

After the visit, Linus struggles with the news and asks Charlie Brown why. The moment underscores how hard the diagnosis hits him. Janice's situation becomes more personal for Linus as he tries to make sense of it.

Back home, Linus explains Janice's illness to Lucy. Lucy worries that leukemia could be contagious and demands that Linus reject the idea. Linus insists leukemia is not contagious and refuses to be deterred by Lucy's fear.

Janice returns to school wearing a cap to cover her bald head from chemotherapy. A schoolyard bully taunts her, but Linus speaks up, explaining leukemia and asking the bully if he would like to go through what she has endured. The bully apologizes after being confronted.

As Christmas approaches, Linus goes to Janice's house to give her a present. Her sisters reveal that she is back at the hospital receiving treatment, and they admit they sometimes feel excluded by the attention Janice's illness brings. Linus leaves the gift with a hopeful spirit.

At the start of spring, Janice returns and tells Linus she has a surprise for him. On the playground swings, she reveals her hair has grown back longer than before, signaling that chemotherapy is finished and remission may be ahead. The moment is joyful and marks a hopeful turn in her battle.

As the credits roll, Janice's cap falls to the ground and she laughs one last time, symbolizing resilience. The moment closes the story with a note of hopeful continuation.