Ok, let me make up something in
style.
Would you like such an alternative script?
While saving Faramir, Gandalf sends Denethor into sleep and orders the guards to take both of them to the Houses Of Healing. There both are treated by Aragorn, who leaves before they become conscious. When Denethor wakes up the battle is well over, he learns the news and accepts the order to remain in the Houses till he is fine. He looks sad and tired, though he is glad to see Faramir alive.
He is also glad to learn about Faramir's love to Eowyn. He tells Faramir, he is no longer able to rule Gondor and if by a small chance the war is won he will resign. He wants to see his grandchildren though they are not going to rule the country. Nothing more is said about Aragorn and possible outcome of the war.
One of the warriors who have retaken Cair Andros returns to Gondor with some information. Denethor realises that the army should have reached Morannon about that time. He looks fine, so he is allowed out of the Houses of Healing. He comes to the White Tower and asks a guard to give him a key of the small room. Gandalf had forbidden anyone to enter it, but Gandalf is far away and Denethor is still a Steward; he receives the key and looks into the Palantir. He finds the army of the West at Morannon Gates, sees how the fight starts and then goes further into Modor and reaches Barad-dur. Sauron is eager to find out if the Ring is really with Aragorn, so he turns his attention to Palantir. Denethor doesn't answer but engages Sauron into some sort of mental duel, partly distracting him from both Frodo and the battle. When Frodo claims the Ring, Sauron abandons Denethor. The latter walks into the hall, holding the Palantir. In his chair Denethor watches the fall of Barad-dur and dies. Faramir and Eowyn find him dead with Plalantir still in his hands; the hands are burnt. Since then Palantir shows nothing but two old burnt hands...
Honestly, I started thinking of "healing" even before PrinceOfTheHalflings' post...
